tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73937938518256854082024-02-19T08:44:20.729-08:00The Bethesda BlissMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-40509502180768146012011-12-04T09:38:00.000-08:002011-12-04T09:41:48.683-08:00November Jewelmint: Bow Tie Bracelet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was super excited today to find in my mailbox something I had been waiting for since last Friday- my very first Jewelmint purchase! I have been a member for a couple of months already but I never purchased anything because honestly, I never saw anything I liked. Then two weeks ago I saw the demure little bow-tie bracelet in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RmVDifWDGY&feature=channel_video_title">HollyAnnAeree's November jewelry haul video</a> and I knew that it would become my first Jewelmint purchase.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigPtex5ijQzLb4UJUDyQUznqpydvLhST0qabn5uS3ZwImFKL-8Sjxxj5t-hI-YNwu2NE14Jb6-OCMr_fX96DExJzRC_sIOvD7QcydzDvVyh1csNdwjQxI2YC6CsOxASdR2zBt21Zk5Qng/s1600/IMG_3620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigPtex5ijQzLb4UJUDyQUznqpydvLhST0qabn5uS3ZwImFKL-8Sjxxj5t-hI-YNwu2NE14Jb6-OCMr_fX96DExJzRC_sIOvD7QcydzDvVyh1csNdwjQxI2YC6CsOxASdR2zBt21Zk5Qng/s400/IMG_3620.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>Each piece comes packaged in a pastel mint-green box with black accents. The box opens and closes with a magnetic closure. Inside, there is a notecard from the founders, Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter, explaining the jewelry piece and ideas on how to wear it. The piece itself comes in a black velvety drawstring pouch with a silver Jewelmint tag on it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfe0IPaR-6Bad3bX7FrESGWTGptxPSoNvNeFakGdFgG3brdvxqC3UZbOaeJdsvrpj8hyXTLnrVcjwBVXCy4PXVTMp1TU4A4cPquhwt7ZS0tdaG6SPAC52yF4iJw0MqfCpxg6UkvOQZUoo/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfe0IPaR-6Bad3bX7FrESGWTGptxPSoNvNeFakGdFgG3brdvxqC3UZbOaeJdsvrpj8hyXTLnrVcjwBVXCy4PXVTMp1TU4A4cPquhwt7ZS0tdaG6SPAC52yF4iJw0MqfCpxg6UkvOQZUoo/s400/IMG_3625.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The bow tie bracelet is a dainty gold-plated crystal-studded beauty that reminds me a little of something Kate Spade would make. I noticed that not all the crystals are perfectly in place (at least that's the way mine is) but I don't mind since I think that it gives the bracelet a more approachable look- if that makes any sense.<br />
<br />
Technically the bracelet can go up to one third length of my forearm but its structure allows it to stay closer to the wrist area if you want- one of the many reasons I love this piece. Another reason would be its versatility. It has a more classic look when worn alone; stacked with other bracelets it looks more casual. Either way it maintains its feminine delicacy and... is just so darn pretty! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEmyor-b-uP6nyAR75nxfkp1eK-JOTkp_ANl9kLzKL-_nqRHBDMuibCW61ccJOdwpIC1iCXj04cENsX6nfAOArq7LL4LpMtFmwlq5vSYybezc0o7XEBLBzQj-ePA_HzTDh981mD-xLuDo/s1600/IMG_3627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEmyor-b-uP6nyAR75nxfkp1eK-JOTkp_ANl9kLzKL-_nqRHBDMuibCW61ccJOdwpIC1iCXj04cENsX6nfAOArq7LL4LpMtFmwlq5vSYybezc0o7XEBLBzQj-ePA_HzTDh981mD-xLuDo/s400/IMG_3627.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep in mind that when you sign up for Jewelmint and purchase your first piece you will be charged a membership fee (price of one jewelry piece) each month after that unless you skip a month (meaning you will have to manually click <i>skip</i> on the website before the 5th of the month if you decide not to purchase anything that month.)</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-27794660817453231412011-11-29T21:04:00.000-08:002011-11-29T21:06:32.153-08:00Haul: Sephora F&F/ VIB Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend! We were excited to host our very first Thanksgiving this year and am happy to report that it ended up being a delightful night with some close friends and one very delicious turkey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As pertaining to the haul, let me just say, the initial Sephora F&F sale didn't go so smoothly for me. Apparently, my order included an out of stock item and the entire order was cancelled. I was not a happy camper. Luckily, the VIB sale was around the corner and I could take advantage of it to pick up these beauties.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLKHxr4LyVqbmFknVJUWKQyKi0R0rumb27WEL4ng2jcGmZv_66-raG3YxHH5biP78hQD-80JN6r5792tZskVjl8ZCDb7KPcTcDporU4PVFuXZY99rsj84ltQWqoPIpfjDKN_2PgDTHUBF/s1600/IMG_3599+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLKHxr4LyVqbmFknVJUWKQyKi0R0rumb27WEL4ng2jcGmZv_66-raG3YxHH5biP78hQD-80JN6r5792tZskVjl8ZCDb7KPcTcDporU4PVFuXZY99rsj84ltQWqoPIpfjDKN_2PgDTHUBF/s400/IMG_3599+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click for a larger image</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Blissful: The photo makes it look a bit more intense than it actually is- it's supposed to be more of a peachy coral. A little goes a long way with this blush so a light hand is recommended. It turns red on my cheeks (more than I would like) so I may actually opt to return this or exchange it for a more flattering shade.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Dior Hydra Life Skin Energizer Pro-Youth Hydrating Serum: something to get me through the dry winter months. It's a light, watery (as opposed to some more creamy-type serums) formula that the skin seems to drink up. Friends have been recommending the Dior Capture Totale One Essential a lot lately so that's on my list to try next.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser: my favorite cleanser of all time. It removes my makeup in one step (like Purity Made Simple by Philosophy) but also leaves my skin feeling hydrated after wash. If you buy in store- look for the bundle pack with a deluxe sample of the Soy Face Cream attached, which is what I got.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. YSL Touche Eclat in #1 Luminous Radiance: I've tried more concealers than I'd like to admit but my search for the perfect concealer/ highlighter ends with the Touche Eclat. It's a potent formula that brightens up my eye area like no one's business yet feels lightweight on my skin. It doesn't crease into fine lines or look caked on. It even looks natural <i>over</i> makeup should you want to touch up throughout the day. I could have gone with #2 Luminous Ivory since that's the one for fair to light complexions with yellow undertones but the pink in the #1 seemed to give my face a more livelier look (I had tried some samples beforehand) so I went with the #1 and am happy with my choice.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The rest are samples I got during the online order. So that was my haul. I hope you enjoyed!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-71143802495570148302011-10-24T17:24:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:24:32.535-07:00Swatch: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Candy Apple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As promised- photos and a swatch of the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Candy Apple! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved Sweet Tart so much that I had to pick up another one of the Lip Butters. I've never been one for bold red lips but I've always wanted to try it so this time I went for the warm toned red in Candy Apple. There's another red in the line if you're interested- Cherry Tart- which I think would be better suited for cool-tone complexions.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJy0zFO9Z4czr0-rqo1VKmW_FlDOGXDjGYtrTv92ykRbkNtDp2vFpUfiZ7MrH6Rhc1n30c6d_f8k-r1VSHUxERPIa8n5gpjiWHoaBXMaQ2ADmp9fxIEsDIE4i8uM-haN9BTempkX9wEaI/s1600/IMG_3320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJy0zFO9Z4czr0-rqo1VKmW_FlDOGXDjGYtrTv92ykRbkNtDp2vFpUfiZ7MrH6Rhc1n30c6d_f8k-r1VSHUxERPIa8n5gpjiWHoaBXMaQ2ADmp9fxIEsDIE4i8uM-haN9BTempkX9wEaI/s400/IMG_3320.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart and Candy Apple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDca6PANbwQJKQxKUnbPMDIVnNKICFb0hJdtWu1fAf831nbmQ97WEs8lKRqh-tcxsFnGonnbiUu7lYdgbS79SQxKxCn7h_6u2Cn0PzP0dFn5EBfixfnY2z3lHDRYjgF_ZZQvzf0xoGBuH/s1600/IMG_3319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDca6PANbwQJKQxKUnbPMDIVnNKICFb0hJdtWu1fAf831nbmQ97WEs8lKRqh-tcxsFnGonnbiUu7lYdgbS79SQxKxCn7h_6u2Cn0PzP0dFn5EBfixfnY2z3lHDRYjgF_ZZQvzf0xoGBuH/s400/IMG_3319.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The color of the packaging matches the shade of the lip butters. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRXHLOQdAXBa2yn6zxA3AaDhs1mgyXi7dR5tFkvFwMRN_CQT9q4yk-3zKGjO2fWiF_iYzx7-iojIyWdDWZQKPDtHS18DfQ-hpfoA0ekCtqBkL7Zpi5Cm9R4ynWRP8QyPLjZKf8XOHRE5i/s1600/IMG_3321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRXHLOQdAXBa2yn6zxA3AaDhs1mgyXi7dR5tFkvFwMRN_CQT9q4yk-3zKGjO2fWiF_iYzx7-iojIyWdDWZQKPDtHS18DfQ-hpfoA0ekCtqBkL7Zpi5Cm9R4ynWRP8QyPLjZKf8XOHRE5i/s400/IMG_3321.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Candy Apple has the same smooth texture that <a href="http://bethesdabliss.blogspot.com/2011/10/swatch-new-revlon-colorburst-lip-butter.html">I've reviewed Sweet Tart</a> as having. The shade looks intense in the tube and in the swatch but you'd be surprised at how wearable it really is. It reminds me of Snow White and even though my skin isn't as fair, the contrast makes my skin look brighter and cleaner. I think I could create a great look for fall and/or a festive look for the holidays with this gorgeous yet approachable red.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUsGwKyJQDKcMTxF2tx41K4JmDF7PHtUBLQsw6Krb7wDGNuDNOksfXCJJC_DWFgBrIkdEDv88ZjLOs0jZ2WEsSmsPtuS6hZipTRVBZcN1vVo9rX7k5IfbpJmJdKY4W4TGI8tdCFwLrNNv/s1600/IMG_3323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUsGwKyJQDKcMTxF2tx41K4JmDF7PHtUBLQsw6Krb7wDGNuDNOksfXCJJC_DWFgBrIkdEDv88ZjLOs0jZ2WEsSmsPtuS6hZipTRVBZcN1vVo9rX7k5IfbpJmJdKY4W4TGI8tdCFwLrNNv/s200/IMG_3323.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-23083900263831010212011-10-17T13:32:00.000-07:002011-10-20T21:29:42.640-07:00Swatch: NEW! Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMQCvcvC27TFzxjREY7YaCZw5B3t7u9Rj9G259sKpH8ElLzGZR3B39trj2EIW0nYKoNRhitBBnGVSVFC5w9uMibABC5yGLbIz7g_aw7dSbxzOwpmtkYzPJy_VzCFTzv61xr6egSlOYtaG/s1600/IMG_3266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMQCvcvC27TFzxjREY7YaCZw5B3t7u9Rj9G259sKpH8ElLzGZR3B39trj2EIW0nYKoNRhitBBnGVSVFC5w9uMibABC5yGLbIz7g_aw7dSbxzOwpmtkYzPJy_VzCFTzv61xr6egSlOYtaG/s400/IMG_3266.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart on Right<br />
Maybelline ColorSensational PopStick in Citrus Slice on Left for Comparison Only</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I think there should be a warning on all things hot pink. Something along the lines of "Caution: May cause racing heartbeat, impaired judgment and/or impulse purchases." <br />
<br />
But the new Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart is so much more than just a hot pink beauty. It's a magical combination of lipstick, lip gloss and lip balm and the way it applies reminds me of the smooth application of the Dior Addict Lipsticks. I love these!!- and for someone who rarely wears lipsticks that's saying a lot :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH8tW8bH30WWei_CmrqoLDio-7fyyl-s_TvCGdIdk_ZPncAUL-4lzMLKep0eCgutSSWERlzbEllk3DcjOcMigd7nrCS1SketvyNjGLdBj6S-bn2ItDb9CBONuog_Vo5xES7OsnIkzJt8j/s1600/IMG_3265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqH8tW8bH30WWei_CmrqoLDio-7fyyl-s_TvCGdIdk_ZPncAUL-4lzMLKep0eCgutSSWERlzbEllk3DcjOcMigd7nrCS1SketvyNjGLdBj6S-bn2ItDb9CBONuog_Vo5xES7OsnIkzJt8j/s400/IMG_3265.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-JrgeDAD1Xtc8EgQw2PWP9Q6QZdWPQwMm4l3s-D2FvSFkEL3CQ0PenRsgTgeI-Sbdo-mbmzj_G0GIjuMQK5Wns3ZRI2qeILhYK5oCjZ6iY9bOEjOyYaHNEK5KSHuaFVMmqOT-hOOg73h/s1600/IMG_3263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-JrgeDAD1Xtc8EgQw2PWP9Q6QZdWPQwMm4l3s-D2FvSFkEL3CQ0PenRsgTgeI-Sbdo-mbmzj_G0GIjuMQK5Wns3ZRI2qeILhYK5oCjZ6iY9bOEjOyYaHNEK5KSHuaFVMmqOT-hOOg73h/s400/IMG_3263.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>The top is clear so you can take a look at the actual color- big improvement from the original Colorburst lipstick packaging which doesn't have this nifty little window. The packaging also corresponds with the shade so each shade has a different color tube. Sweet Tart is a nice fruit punch type pink color (no shimmer) that is surprisingly wearable- and it's one of those colors that brightens up your face giving you a youthful look. The Lip Butters have a subtle sweet scent- barely noticeable unless you're really trying to sniff it out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxx0LkydE7dmF0bHVdhtcaSCPHfgemMmQ0rRBArAxbw-UezVWBcApSkpXK7FAB9v1TFObEebCCsmzaYYiFxitRMF4CAtz3-ZG3Om9lY8Yzt1ayoGT3W9Q3U36NNRLQjeN5zwo-MvLcL-o/s1600/IMG_3267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxx0LkydE7dmF0bHVdhtcaSCPHfgemMmQ0rRBArAxbw-UezVWBcApSkpXK7FAB9v1TFObEebCCsmzaYYiFxitRMF4CAtz3-ZG3Om9lY8Yzt1ayoGT3W9Q3U36NNRLQjeN5zwo-MvLcL-o/s400/IMG_3267.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I picked out a couple I thought would compare for the swatch shot but they ended up being all very different. As you can see the Fresh Lip Treatment (one of my favorites) is more sheer and glossy- you can't really build the color up on this- it's meant to give your lips more of a slight tint rather than a full-on lipstick look. The Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm is sheer but less glossy. I actually dislike this formula as it dries out my lips even though it's a lip balm. The Colorburst Lip Butter is not as glossy as the Fresh Lip Treatment but has more of a smooth texture (something between the Dior Addict Lipsticks and the buttery YSL Rouge Voluptes) and can be sheerly applied or built up for bolder look. I also like the fact that my lips don't feel like they have lipstick on. I love these!<br />
<br />
<br />
* Purchased at Bed, Bath & Beyond. A shout out to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvS_2RKOZ14&feature=feedu">BentleyBlonde</a> who gave us the heads up to be on the lookout for these!<br />
<br />
** Update: Just picked up the Lip Butter in Candy Apple too so I'll be doing a swatch and review of that soon :)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-24096695923894569032011-10-12T12:17:00.000-07:002011-10-17T11:24:17.244-07:00Review: The Body Shop: Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner, Facial Wash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqOjcoZDdeNMM6xz1hUjqZ3zgRw8qkWkgciHkMTj5stN_y-6hCrBbxwaYzut9-UY_zR77fwuvungWeEOC9neclXB_fY90nFYyEP4GSmR7wM6Wrtluf6SRqFN7aDvTlnFybeksJ__L0y_v/s1600/IMG_3227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqOjcoZDdeNMM6xz1hUjqZ3zgRw8qkWkgciHkMTj5stN_y-6hCrBbxwaYzut9-UY_zR77fwuvungWeEOC9neclXB_fY90nFYyEP4GSmR7wM6Wrtluf6SRqFN7aDvTlnFybeksJ__L0y_v/s400/IMG_3227.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I've never had much luck with skincare products from The Body Shop so I was wary about these but I have been having some skin trouble lately (not acne) and I read that tea tree oil was a good remedy. I took advantage of a recent sale and ordered the Tea Tree Skin Essentials kit (comes with four travel-size tea tree items) online.<br />
<br />
I've been using the toner and the facial wash on and off for a a couple of weeks and here are my thoughts on them!<br />
<br />
First of all, I liked the toner but not as an everyday all-over-the-face type toner since it wasn't as refreshing as I expected it to be (especially with the minty scent it has!) I should've kept in mind that this is a tea tree "oil" product- meaning that it will leave a (very) slight oiliness to your skin. It didn't break me out or anything- this line is actually meant for blemished skin- but I prefer a more clean-feeling toner. I did, however, find that it was a nice toner to apply around my nose area right after I've used a Biore nose strip and my skin feels a little raw. The Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner soothes my skin without clogging my pores.<br />
<br />
Second, I absolutely love the facial wash! I actually think I'm washing my face more often because I love it so much- the best part is the cooling sensation. I use this in the morning when I wake up or in the shower (the steam enhances the cooling sensation), and at the end of the day after I've removed my makeup (note, this is not a makeup remover). For some reason it takes a lot of washes to remove the soapy feeling but for me it's so worth it. I feel my skin has benefited more from the wash than the toner.<br />
<br />
So those are my thoughts on The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Toner and Facial Wash. Hope you enjoyed and/or helped some of you on your shopping decisions ; )<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuM84lQbW-kZxlOZVZ6XCKUv3PFnWwv5VKDNghLa6_gYhNUYCIoBjT6RLId8OC3uE0txA-6Ht_6zzqbYixbRL__NlwD5XBljF2hDx38kHCaIq9UcTO3hsjuhCQ9EgLcWV8z3v_8tA9ABI/s1600/IMG_3229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKuM84lQbW-kZxlOZVZ6XCKUv3PFnWwv5VKDNghLa6_gYhNUYCIoBjT6RLId8OC3uE0txA-6Ht_6zzqbYixbRL__NlwD5XBljF2hDx38kHCaIq9UcTO3hsjuhCQ9EgLcWV8z3v_8tA9ABI/s400/IMG_3229.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The set that I got: comes with actual tea tree oil and lotion as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-4253103168079286732011-09-01T18:02:00.000-07:002011-09-01T18:09:43.381-07:00Korean Haul: Ohui, The Face Shop, Hanyul by AmorePacific<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hi there beautiful ladies. I have a Korean skincare haul! I didn't get a chance to visit Seoul this year as I do almost every year but I received a couple of goodies from friends and family, plus I picked up a couple of things at The Face Shop in NJ on our way back to DC from Manhattan. All up and down the East Coast baby, that's how I roll. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So the first things I got from The Face Shop are some of their sheet masks. I got Nutri-life E, walnut & pine nut, rice and aloe masks. They were priced at $1.50-2.00 each. I've used these before but it's been a while so I don't remember whether I liked them or not. But whatever the case may be at least I had fun picking them out ; )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-jRVHtGG9pCYPAFHgbcB7SpzrA5KmOEChwLI1-7xyftlrrSz1Co0aS03l0sYhzsafgMUw3Lb6RF8LB4yk-IzeNbyv1EJEJfmHzpf8jtUa5gdCNsgr3zbUhafU-PS9MUgLkhYw55dkdPj/s1600/IMG_2947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-jRVHtGG9pCYPAFHgbcB7SpzrA5KmOEChwLI1-7xyftlrrSz1Co0aS03l0sYhzsafgMUw3Lb6RF8LB4yk-IzeNbyv1EJEJfmHzpf8jtUa5gdCNsgr3zbUhafU-PS9MUgLkhYw55dkdPj/s640/IMG_2947.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMTEakzgH_cHozFfrkFMGHx7RMGVfPeiIRzjx2yCUo8KfPDYHpz7LQLdWwHi52PzrbrPMEMit-ZvaAwp_E9iS4o1WJTCSOesFxAb4BxzEKQbo2Eiu-nJUR0ra29TtGNAw4wGRPSe6K_XO/s1600/IMG_2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMTEakzgH_cHozFfrkFMGHx7RMGVfPeiIRzjx2yCUo8KfPDYHpz7LQLdWwHi52PzrbrPMEMit-ZvaAwp_E9iS4o1WJTCSOesFxAb4BxzEKQbo2Eiu-nJUR0ra29TtGNAw4wGRPSe6K_XO/s400/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I also picked up the Herb Day Lip & Eye Make-up Remover sheets. These were $5.00 for 30 sheets- pretty good deal in my humble opinion. I use Lancome Bi-facil to remove my waterproof eye makeup but sometimes I get lazy and want something super simple to remove my eye makeup so I thought I would give these a whirl. I've already tried a couple of sheets and although it isn't <i>perfect</i>- it still removes my waterproof eyeliner/mascara better than my regular makeup remover wipe (currently using the Biore one) so I definitely see myself repurchasing. I consider this a find!<br />
<br />
The powder you see with ECHO's stamped on it is actually chestnut powder which you can mix with yogurt, egg yolk, or water to create your own at-home spa mask treatment. This is one of my absolute favorite products in the whole wide world but unfortunately I can't find it anywhere in the states. I used to buy a couple packets when in Korea and bring them back with me but I had run out of the last stash I had towed back with me. I let out a little yelp when I saw this at The Face Shop.<br />
<br />
A little side note, The Face Shop is a drugstore-level Korean cosmetics brand. I know of only three locations currently in the US, one each in Manhattan, Flushing and NJ.<br />
<br />
Next up, my mom sent me some stuff from a line called Hanyul (by AmorePacific) through my dad who was in town from Seoul last week. Apparently this is a line that is focused on using 100% Korean-grown traditional herbs (normally used in Eastern medicine) to create products that are less abrasive to the skin. My mom sent me two packs of sheet masks and a massaging pack, all of which are housed in some beautiful packaging.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXFU9Qn9PhWGUQtj3TjgA8n4BzfSSwRjjH7JNFVM8xedeti7znoICvdpMBhV0zTplcs1ofoovGUb9Vx3PBuiAwtjlMZMUqIl5hgrYeI0Iyqj3HGSHRgCKgGbH0dd5vIApmOdXHQIImlye/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXFU9Qn9PhWGUQtj3TjgA8n4BzfSSwRjjH7JNFVM8xedeti7znoICvdpMBhV0zTplcs1ofoovGUb9Vx3PBuiAwtjlMZMUqIl5hgrYeI0Iyqj3HGSHRgCKgGbH0dd5vIApmOdXHQIImlye/s400/IMG_2950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopWm03XaHKs9zoxATpEhDgfaLK_ZZAJJTfmDl2rKmLhWITZtEwz-jX0Zqj-3j8kUFr9uhZULrAi67Yp-6AvVa0ZeDry-z4jaDD_ib390tMGhnCIZ-4AaLr3HK5t3P9Q2qYH5AezJFs0cI/s1600/IMG_2951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopWm03XaHKs9zoxATpEhDgfaLK_ZZAJJTfmDl2rKmLhWITZtEwz-jX0Zqj-3j8kUFr9uhZULrAi67Yp-6AvVa0ZeDry-z4jaDD_ib390tMGhnCIZ-4AaLr3HK5t3P9Q2qYH5AezJFs0cI/s640/IMG_2951.jpg" width="475" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitCwa0MZrvPycC3fXFgkKuwZ4AV0ctn5Ali9OXTI2vk2ZDHJNBeh0AN1ll-c7FSbXzi4XY2nwgZkZi1SZvi99k43VU73MftooB1AjQ_cC1RoKdvJ9rrYYUKo6L6yp426w1QJCQBTOTu9O/s1600/IMG_2953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitCwa0MZrvPycC3fXFgkKuwZ4AV0ctn5Ali9OXTI2vk2ZDHJNBeh0AN1ll-c7FSbXzi4XY2nwgZkZi1SZvi99k43VU73MftooB1AjQ_cC1RoKdvJ9rrYYUKo6L6yp426w1QJCQBTOTu9O/s640/IMG_2953.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>Last but not least, a good friend was sweet enough to bring me a Ohui sunscreen compact (Sun Science Powder Sunblock Natural Skin SPF 50) from her visit to Seoul last month. I've been taking horse-riding lessons in the sun as of late and this was just the thing I needed- a compact that would allow me to reapply sunscreen without messing up my makeup.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlU-agB9z7NJXbyDHUERroyrZAUk_4hxtgxCNV_dXXcdTAJkelE_qsDcPNcUQNdod_sNFXrL5rZCr7j5bkOxZYtmeevd4k0CaHQReAyW4VM-Nb7xeeQSC0QHlWWLxLxk6BoMimjKvnbQ7/s1600/IMG_2954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlU-agB9z7NJXbyDHUERroyrZAUk_4hxtgxCNV_dXXcdTAJkelE_qsDcPNcUQNdod_sNFXrL5rZCr7j5bkOxZYtmeevd4k0CaHQReAyW4VM-Nb7xeeQSC0QHlWWLxLxk6BoMimjKvnbQ7/s640/IMG_2954.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytEEwli40nkmAaUqFixQAZNnguw5FLGkNctzzXGc2YROpvbb-Ad5gk8BU2t-oeq2NYj7cIoDZW_-LO-h7-XySJfN2T4-oamLAox4I7fEoF-aAbChgA2rIwzjzKyLgD6BjkAg3H9Ycv2XT/s1600/IMG_2955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytEEwli40nkmAaUqFixQAZNnguw5FLGkNctzzXGc2YROpvbb-Ad5gk8BU2t-oeq2NYj7cIoDZW_-LO-h7-XySJfN2T4-oamLAox4I7fEoF-aAbChgA2rIwzjzKyLgD6BjkAg3H9Ycv2XT/s640/IMG_2955.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>I've already used it (hence the slightly faded sun print) and I like it a lot. It works not only as a sunscreen but a brightening and mattifying powder with a good amount of pigmentation. It doesn't make my skin look cakey but the powder is super fair so keep that in mind if you have a darker skintone. It works nicely on my average fair skin.<br />
<br />
So that's everything! I understand that these are not readily available products for everyone but I've recently seen some sites that sell Ohui, The Face Shop and Hanyul so I thought I would introduce these haul items as a reference to those of you who are interested in trying out some new Asian cosmetics. I hope you enjoyed :)<br />
<br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-84102030903975897952011-08-21T19:38:00.000-07:002011-08-21T19:38:03.669-07:00Nordstrom Anniversary Exclusive: Le Metier de Beaute Rock 'n' Romance Nail Lacquer Set<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Needless to say I have been bad blogger. I've had the photos in this post ready to be edited since last month and here I am finally getting to it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnxiwGO_gL2gyZ4p1916xuxZLwg745uvzjzKixnNHCSjKhU61XUt_rQpzbujCTGdxgBKzq-B7ft8bzDCq4Kd4fLDhvc9VFQCZ_TVWlWpG9DT8lVVj83uhhVSENbgK09TMvURUj4X3Ze02/s1600/IMG_2591+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnxiwGO_gL2gyZ4p1916xuxZLwg745uvzjzKixnNHCSjKhU61XUt_rQpzbujCTGdxgBKzq-B7ft8bzDCq4Kd4fLDhvc9VFQCZ_TVWlWpG9DT8lVVj83uhhVSENbgK09TMvURUj4X3Ze02/s400/IMG_2591+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This beautiful set from Nordstrom was my introductory product to Le Metier- and I have to say it has been a very satisfactory one! The set comes with four sophisticated shades ranging from crimson red (which actually swatches to an almost black on the nails) to a midnight navy. The mini-sized bottles come with smaller brushes for application but the formula is smooth and nice so there is no noticeable difficulty in applying.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp3ThoAi_bLOMt8nBMVaXzp4OkU7nzNGUyVSN8ZaMOPGofPHLoSpomkuHvIrY63jQKUYO4ahBfSOOhFpdY3e9-bA6XMpUael6wKFsovpnJkx0Y-wOal_XDSHGNBkhfOeXdtSxarNWBqid/s1600/IMG_2593+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMp3ThoAi_bLOMt8nBMVaXzp4OkU7nzNGUyVSN8ZaMOPGofPHLoSpomkuHvIrY63jQKUYO4ahBfSOOhFpdY3e9-bA6XMpUael6wKFsovpnJkx0Y-wOal_XDSHGNBkhfOeXdtSxarNWBqid/s400/IMG_2593+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Heat of the Night as mentioned above applies as a much darker color than the crimson in the bottle. It has a slight shimmer to it. The hubster commented that "the crimson that comes out in the light makes it classy even though it's almost black." Okay- he didn't use that exact phrase but I saw it in his eyes when he said "I like it."<br />
<br />
True Romance is a beautiful nude with a slight metallic finish. It creates a polished sophisticated look, perfect for the workplace. (The Beauty Look Book has already done a <a href="http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2011/07/le-metier-de-beaute-true-romance-nail.html">great coverage on True Romance</a>.) I haven't had Chrome Passion or Midnight Rendezvous on my nails yet but both look promising from the swatches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu-S1wQEWkn0CVtQN1_zmKmZypmbMzsHD7K8SHJRUzUow8bud1NPGkeSdh8W69YeWjRw9HCc4nX9ZPEGuSUjlRClmWZ2GCJ-7zzL-FyOWDaHN40DGfO7VEM9Ivk4Fe-BpLZo6_Y1Yw6kf/s1600/IMG_2594+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu-S1wQEWkn0CVtQN1_zmKmZypmbMzsHD7K8SHJRUzUow8bud1NPGkeSdh8W69YeWjRw9HCc4nX9ZPEGuSUjlRClmWZ2GCJ-7zzL-FyOWDaHN40DGfO7VEM9Ivk4Fe-BpLZo6_Y1Yw6kf/s400/IMG_2594+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">Overall happy with my purchase, I'm see more Le Metier in my future! </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-54559707402623309342011-07-19T12:37:00.000-07:002011-07-19T12:37:24.554-07:00Nordstrom Anniversary Exclusive: Clarins FEED 15 Pouch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x8poSWnyf9H7C7GL485WgwGbtuE_phNp__zMyXYZKFxRvgw6U1lk75Psnq3sJq4t0rtZXDArh_6ldsMgSAKTdusS-9Z5hq-0BMH_PbFVVkLz33PHoEs0Tzse9h0evUyL5KwAuNXyUx08/s1600/IMG_2596+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3x8poSWnyf9H7C7GL485WgwGbtuE_phNp__zMyXYZKFxRvgw6U1lk75Psnq3sJq4t0rtZXDArh_6ldsMgSAKTdusS-9Z5hq-0BMH_PbFVVkLz33PHoEs0Tzse9h0evUyL5KwAuNXyUx08/s400/IMG_2596+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One of the first things that I knew I would get from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale was the Clarins FEED 15 Pouch, purchase of which would provide 15 meals to school children through the United Nations World Food Programme. It was a meaningful collaboration and I was happy to support it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ct60PIIfvvA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvfciO29T2LzbUbZsimE_PmivnqP912MNmMzLHtcJ6oVg1_uDxU2m-NerUGHfJp1un5hqdjON2dPc4E9L8tH4zan2LXwdyngXq9jPV59QEAvNwOb8A1dLMw2zAwJ0wVk6yNBz6CcJDD7F/s1600/IMG_2597+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvfciO29T2LzbUbZsimE_PmivnqP912MNmMzLHtcJ6oVg1_uDxU2m-NerUGHfJp1un5hqdjON2dPc4E9L8tH4zan2LXwdyngXq9jPV59QEAvNwOb8A1dLMw2zAwJ0wVk6yNBz6CcJDD7F/s400/IMG_2597+copy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pouch contains three Clarins products; a Moisture-Rich Body Lotion (3.5 oz), Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (1.7 oz), and a Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in shade 01 (a light pink) and retails for 30USD. I love Clarins skincare but I haven't had a chance to try these body products yet so this will be my humble intro to the body lotion and hand cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtz4hpFRM3Uutmui-dbYfi6DWrzR-K98MoWns75cERpvQXb2bTI3m1RuHRcUQw-k9ubEPzIuwl0d2oCZ4MdlzMZxhqcL0XrZm_cOfz51a0YjDEvANZ9EPeK-Sv_dDGKqUvhi__OjeCGfM/s1600/IMG_2598+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtz4hpFRM3Uutmui-dbYfi6DWrzR-K98MoWns75cERpvQXb2bTI3m1RuHRcUQw-k9ubEPzIuwl0d2oCZ4MdlzMZxhqcL0XrZm_cOfz51a0YjDEvANZ9EPeK-Sv_dDGKqUvhi__OjeCGfM/s400/IMG_2598+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The quality of the canvas pouch itself is rather a nice surprise as it stands its own. Both the stitching and the zipper is sturdy and reliable unlike many run of the mill makeup pouches that accompany beauty purchases. It has the stenciled "FEED" on one side and "15" on the other accented with red. The FEED Projects website has a similar pouch for 25USD- which provides 10 meals. (pouch only no Clarins products)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt8IGIhnl3xj9GO2auAWp3EoyUNqxC71TL8stZtyFmCVvRwUxJwz-zOki0fTZPzaNaAlYrsuc8TlMB2mfeMPXrYP-T_pWuWZt2foMFmDhz1GppQ4-2WHq25SzAMH3P1b7pSXU2q0at3NH/s1600/IMG_2600+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt8IGIhnl3xj9GO2auAWp3EoyUNqxC71TL8stZtyFmCVvRwUxJwz-zOki0fTZPzaNaAlYrsuc8TlMB2mfeMPXrYP-T_pWuWZt2foMFmDhz1GppQ4-2WHq25SzAMH3P1b7pSXU2q0at3NH/s400/IMG_2600+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Right now at Nordstrom, you can also choose a gift with purchase (there are four options) when you purchase two Clarins products. Normally, you have to purchase at least one skincare product to receive the GWP but the sales associate at my Clarins counter was nice enough to include the gift with my purchase of two FEED pouches which are technically, body care products.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-52084684483614416162011-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:002011-07-14T10:48:40.555-07:00Haul: Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate + Deluxe Samples + Swatches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7O-ErOwLrfOHGyLgGYCDT_Ksuha2ROIbQa6HbiH1EfU3zOtH0QHfoRuGNeLrSTIwI_4gus3si9dt5vsLxB3lvuTreDAqud6CWZAPFh2vrwT_k4b6pmbuG6zmZCJMLtk7_QZVq6nK6AxB/s1600/IMG_2532+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7O-ErOwLrfOHGyLgGYCDT_Ksuha2ROIbQa6HbiH1EfU3zOtH0QHfoRuGNeLrSTIwI_4gus3si9dt5vsLxB3lvuTreDAqud6CWZAPFh2vrwT_k4b6pmbuG6zmZCJMLtk7_QZVq6nK6AxB/s400/IMG_2532+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A couple of weeks ago, I took advantage of the great Lancome sample deal up on the Lancome-USA site. I bought one thing, the Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate 0.67oz and ended up with 10 hot samples!<br />
1. Teint Miracle (foundation) sample card<br />
2. Creme Radiance clarifying cream-to-foam cleanser<br />
3. Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate 0.25oz<br />
4. Absolue Premium replenishing cream with SPF 15<br />
5. Renergie volumetric lifting and reshaping cream with SPF 15<br />
6. High Resolution Eye anti-wrinkle eye cream<br />
7. Le Crayon Kohl in Raisin Noir<br />
8. Color Design Sensational Effects Quad<br />
9. Juicy Tubes Moulin Rose<br />
10. Juicy Tubes Rose Quartz<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcSfEJ9hgr3P6pRBSMAitL0i_qgTIarGrbpQWtHIyQ51QhaWn7CKgAP4RXt1vSesuj86-zr5jszmdw9KOj0Oh_-fmUaFIN7dSVWbL0vPxirFAsXSYZ2RrS0F99mleAIOSdatsnCQGaS98/s1600/IMG_2533+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcSfEJ9hgr3P6pRBSMAitL0i_qgTIarGrbpQWtHIyQ51QhaWn7CKgAP4RXt1vSesuj86-zr5jszmdw9KOj0Oh_-fmUaFIN7dSVWbL0vPxirFAsXSYZ2RrS0F99mleAIOSdatsnCQGaS98/s400/IMG_2533+copy.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>Here is a size comparison between the 0.25oz, 0.67oz and 1oz bottles. There is also a 1.7oz size not shown here. I absolutely love this serum and am already onto my fourth bottle. I used other serums in between as I like to change up my skin care routine, but I find myself recommending this first to anyone who asks me about a good serum. It's light yet very effective and I can actually feel my skin "drinking up" the hydration. (One should note, however, that all skin types are different and what works for me may not work for everyone :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIk8j6gywBJglQT7xeaSt0MGLsStIjj3UcGepz2Y6MqKSO-7x_GZtZBX4tpEs72sUCbsIy9zl30SnepaG8qjQCvqKzHBotzQXQ9NIvLFRSX2S8pUgIVsoDdFYKeIQhNKuyqTdY9UFo2k/s1600/IMG_2534+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotIk8j6gywBJglQT7xeaSt0MGLsStIjj3UcGepz2Y6MqKSO-7x_GZtZBX4tpEs72sUCbsIy9zl30SnepaG8qjQCvqKzHBotzQXQ9NIvLFRSX2S8pUgIVsoDdFYKeIQhNKuyqTdY9UFo2k/s400/IMG_2534+copy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, be sure to register with Lancome-usa.com if you plan to order from them since you can choose a deluxe sample with your purchase if you do. That's how I received Rose Quartz :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcoy1fzeNY7QJpCK8awl65iWtcTAwpHek7nvn10mGpRs_KgQPpQH2N1UaPmXB1L5AyMJlakOGVwtkJbE75OkwdJ5Z72JXcfIKs34RhBgF9dy-eouU490QorSc-WhjF8WPJ3IsYhcAaCS6/s1600/IMG_2537+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcoy1fzeNY7QJpCK8awl65iWtcTAwpHek7nvn10mGpRs_KgQPpQH2N1UaPmXB1L5AyMJlakOGVwtkJbE75OkwdJ5Z72JXcfIKs34RhBgF9dy-eouU490QorSc-WhjF8WPJ3IsYhcAaCS6/s400/IMG_2537+copy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Voila, swatches. Rose Quartz is a sheer and shimmery terra cotta type shade (but it looks berry-ish in some lights) and smells like candy- although I can't really pinpoint what candy... Moulin Rose is a non-shimmery barbie pink, also sheer but still very pretty. This one smells like roses. Coral Rush is one I got with a previous purchase but I included it for comparison purposes: this one is a golden coral (golden because it has dense gold micro-shimmer in it) and smells like watermelons! yum....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope everyone is holding up in the intense summer heat we've been getting this week (or is it just the DC heat that's gone crazy?)! Also, is everyone excited about Nordstrom's 15 Year Anniversary Sale as I am? There's only a couple of things I have my heart set on (the Clarins Feed 15 Pouch- such a great cause- and the Jo Malone trio) so I don't know why I'm so excited but... I am... haha</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-42627623632609586842011-06-30T21:53:00.000-07:002011-06-30T21:53:33.020-07:00Swatch-aroo: Chantecaille Lip Glosses & Guerlain Rouge Automatique Les Oranges<div>For some reason I always thought I didn't have a Chantecaille counter near me until there I was innocently strolling along through my go-to Nordstrom when lo and behold, a beautiful Chantecaille counter with semi-new testers out looking up at me like "You're late." What?! Why haven't I seen this before? More importantly, why did I never think of looking it up?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3VIOcKto2KdpJCcJ1ils-F-Me2tm3EdjaHLElKDUGSH8Szkf9Yigby-z2T_i9VM-oGUeFPAL_jjAVHoc7DgCFBIhPCJChIz7FoZKWCltIKcW9dttRTmClZB4wNy0wT5fCOLi5iPyl7qt/s1600/IMG_2486copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3VIOcKto2KdpJCcJ1ils-F-Me2tm3EdjaHLElKDUGSH8Szkf9Yigby-z2T_i9VM-oGUeFPAL_jjAVHoc7DgCFBIhPCJChIz7FoZKWCltIKcW9dttRTmClZB4wNy0wT5fCOLi5iPyl7qt/s400/IMG_2486copy.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click for a larger image.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>I did a couple of swatches to share with you my joy in my new discovery :) Guava and Dragonfruit are shades from the Lip Gloss line (the ones in the silvery mini compacts with mirrors) and Sweet, Folly, and Flirt are shades of Brilliant Glosses. I was impressed with how light the lip glosses felt on the back of my hand and how natural they looked on my lips. The brushes on the Brilliant Glosses were super-soft. These retail for 28.00USD- not a bargain but pretty decent considering the price range of Chantecaille's skincare or her eyeshadow quads.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Next, some Guerlain Rouge Automatique swatches. I only swatched the four Les Oranges 140, 141, 142, 143. My favorite was 141 Quand Vient l'Ete which was a lighter coral pink and 143 Nahema, a more vibrant coral pink. These applied so buttery smooth on the back of my hand. I didn't try them on my lips so I can't vouch for how smooth they translate to the lips but I'm thinking they're probably pretty nice on the lips too.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So that's that! Any special plans for the Fourth of July weekend? I plan to spend it in the nation's capital with friends and watch some fireworks! Hope everyone has fun!</div><div><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-56322783139253894772011-06-14T15:57:00.000-07:002011-06-30T21:58:54.201-07:00Haul: Benefit: cha cha tint & b.right! skincare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just got back from my mailbox and discovered my benefit haul had been delivered! It took a while to get here- but I'm just happy that it found me safe and sound, albeit slightly squashed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I open up the slightly squashed box and there's fab Gabbi looking back at me (or so I think- I can't tell exactly under her chic vintage sunglasses) and pretty coral on white tissue paper wrapped around my goodies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicYgrBDHweW-jH5XzDFSGuX2bzzzqzl85iW4PJ6MANV6VV6ES1K6j39N5dQqscDlR7xiQ17nu_aZw3Q6jOjRX1WpHsFjyBqqgzn3DMX0GbhfjUTTEssOfzbPVFxFBXaqPRgOABnDt8lnm/s1600/IMG_2290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicYgrBDHweW-jH5XzDFSGuX2bzzzqzl85iW4PJ6MANV6VV6ES1K6j39N5dQqscDlR7xiQ17nu_aZw3Q6jOjRX1WpHsFjyBqqgzn3DMX0GbhfjUTTEssOfzbPVFxFBXaqPRgOABnDt8lnm/s400/IMG_2290.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside were: A summer 2011 benefit catalog, a sample of Girl meets Pearl, a sample of Pore.fessional and the two things I had purchased:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. the b.right! radiant skincare 6 piece intro kit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. cha cha tint (benefit's new mango tinted lip cheek stain)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;"><i>ah! I'm super excited to try everything!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKj6Fx-TVtU-W4ENR3-X6kMQnlqa5sl-OKiNF2WMrU7ECK8G86MuZbPOru7lNRmBAZWNVCd8vnnaieC9AE8E-ELoId-6FFlMWG802k2ddC6nA-U6ru2GmNT-PbtYLWNApc_nZI7aATT7E/s1600/IMG_2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKj6Fx-TVtU-W4ENR3-X6kMQnlqa5sl-OKiNF2WMrU7ECK8G86MuZbPOru7lNRmBAZWNVCd8vnnaieC9AE8E-ELoId-6FFlMWG802k2ddC6nA-U6ru2GmNT-PbtYLWNApc_nZI7aATT7E/s400/IMG_2288.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgcp7LfR9hjO3oCFLWYWEJpdDGN9T2XCmx-rS93G87w-ub_-nShr6gZcIS2Kswe1TYVJSScv5pfomHavJ-CIvVYGGRp9tFs9YQK1FsejhjeJZeGGVaZkQvAoL4zNKJJmpSF4NYz_mxSsV/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgcp7LfR9hjO3oCFLWYWEJpdDGN9T2XCmx-rS93G87w-ub_-nShr6gZcIS2Kswe1TYVJSScv5pfomHavJ-CIvVYGGRp9tFs9YQK1FsejhjeJZeGGVaZkQvAoL4zNKJJmpSF4NYz_mxSsV/s400/IMG_2292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>From what I've seen this particular 6 piece b.right! intro kit is only available @<a href="http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/b-right-Radiant-Skincare-Benefit-piece/dp/B004NPW33U?ie=UTF8&id=b%20right%20Radiant%20Skincare%20Benefit%20piece&field_product_site_launch_date_utc=-1y&field_availability=-1&field_browse=51084011&searchSize=12&searchNodeID=51084011&searchPage=1&searchKeywords=b%20right&field_keywords=b%20right&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchRank=salesrank">benefitcosmetics.com</a> which is why I ordered directly from them rather than from Sephora which I normally would have done. This kit comes in a convenient travel-size plastic pouch and contains <b>6</b> of the total 8 total b.right! skincare products currently available. (It doesn't have the mist and the makeup remover.) They're a little smaller than I anticipated but I appreciate how benefit didn't skimp on the packaging and kept them looking like perfect miniatures of the full-sized products (just minus the cork material). I've always been rather fond of benefit skincare products (eyecon, firmology, dear john etc.) even though they get less attention than their makeup counterparts (coralista, hoola, benetint etc.) so I'm super excited to try these out!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Next up: the much awaited cha-cha tint! Youngest sister to passionate Benetint and sweet PosieTint, cha-cha is sweet <i>and</i> passionate! Here are some swatches of cha-cha with PosieTint. The photo seems to have intensified cha-cha a bit more than the color in actuality- it's a bit softer in real life. I love that it doesn't have any shimmer and that it has the more milky consistency of PosieTint rather than the watery formula of Benetint. I'm confident cha-cha will help me glide through the heat and sweat of summer with perfectly tinted coral lips! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX98C6n-lLxOFmFppsrJZN5z0Uieftm1_8Cfbl1PpKDV-U9FThKRNinc3JuhGQKZRojXfiJCCxTe5MKt_JCcai5lT-UjjWT1VW1cJt6MhzskMC0J-XamaFN9nXNBsttaOu1kUC4athUsUv/s1600/IMG_2293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX98C6n-lLxOFmFppsrJZN5z0Uieftm1_8Cfbl1PpKDV-U9FThKRNinc3JuhGQKZRojXfiJCCxTe5MKt_JCcai5lT-UjjWT1VW1cJt6MhzskMC0J-XamaFN9nXNBsttaOu1kUC4athUsUv/s400/IMG_2293.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKQpALXwkO1OoI5WRfM0PU38EI9xteShPTc0Cwk-1GTKuqwpG_HU-_ot9ITmdsjj9hn7_xopp9YwvnONa98_evMPRkH18h_NoF1uzR98WBWoysFFeG5yZ2JGm-juZXAvajVC6RUkFByQC/s1600/IMG_2294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKQpALXwkO1OoI5WRfM0PU38EI9xteShPTc0Cwk-1GTKuqwpG_HU-_ot9ITmdsjj9hn7_xopp9YwvnONa98_evMPRkH18h_NoF1uzR98WBWoysFFeG5yZ2JGm-juZXAvajVC6RUkFByQC/s400/IMG_2294.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-4609861980983321572011-05-13T11:29:00.000-07:002011-05-13T11:29:35.533-07:00NOTD: Pink French Tip with Orly, Zoya & Essie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMySmGmyYIFSB5n2gHn9WTSGOkNpS41D956wu-0w14Bq_cMdYz_8hraXTXoXPXyvLqx84U-ghPKqSNZ9vMhz5kx_P7wbhCCAgCce1RiBAzQlfyLEHa3PaOJ5ZDrGytv1jkJYBjmGtScBVf/s1600/IMG_1912+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMySmGmyYIFSB5n2gHn9WTSGOkNpS41D956wu-0w14Bq_cMdYz_8hraXTXoXPXyvLqx84U-ghPKqSNZ9vMhz5kx_P7wbhCCAgCce1RiBAzQlfyLEHa3PaOJ5ZDrGytv1jkJYBjmGtScBVf/s400/IMG_1912+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Orly Sheer Peche as base color<br />
Zoya Happi as French tip<br />
Essie No Chips Ahead as top coat<br />
<br />
I wanted something clean and simple but also a little girly this week :) So I decided to do a pink French tip. It maintains the classic look of a white French tip but with a youthful twist.<br />
<br />
Orly Sheer Peche goes on pretty sheer on the nails. If not for the slight softening of the nail color I would say it was pretty much clear. It's my go-to nail color for when I don't want any color on my nails but still want them to look neat and smoothed out.<br />
<br />
Zoya Happi is a vibrant pink with gold iridescent duo-chrome type shimmers. I have had this on my nails full-on a couple of times but I think I like it better as a French tip. It looks more refined that way.<br />
<br />
Essie top coat I just picked up recently during a Target run because my Seche Vite was drying up on me and I wanted to try something new. It's a very watery formula but I think I like it. I can't vouch for it's non-chipping qualities as this is the first time I've actually had it on.<br />
<br />
So that's that! Let me know what nail polish you have on and/or any plans you may have for the weekend! I'm craving me some Peking duck @ Peking Gourmet Inn (those of you in the DC area know what I'm talking about!) so I've made reservations. Also, Bridesmaids is in theaters now so that's on my list as well. Have a happy weekend!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-17835166695834411042011-05-11T08:07:00.000-07:002011-05-11T08:24:48.021-07:00Bath & Body Works PocketBacs: Horoscopes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RYjHcgLa_9iUX0ru5gh15o030wvh6WzFplQ_2_-Sbvgnv60pER9_fzEwC6C-_KP9ESQBBvoBMSb5sWoLls0QvtWW9ZOcNQr9kzkGgoXEfCSTCpVsj7M138_s1IBOhyphenhyphenc3j8Edw6nBpcRK/s1600/pBBW1-9637357v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RYjHcgLa_9iUX0ru5gh15o030wvh6WzFplQ_2_-Sbvgnv60pER9_fzEwC6C-_KP9ESQBBvoBMSb5sWoLls0QvtWW9ZOcNQr9kzkGgoXEfCSTCpVsj7M138_s1IBOhyphenhyphenc3j8Edw6nBpcRK/s1600/pBBW1-9637357v275.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems like every other day Bath & Body Works spawns out a new collection of their antibacterial PocketBacs. They're cute and smell delightful but usually, I'm not a sucker for them.</div><br />
But today I am. Their new Horoscope PocketBacs not only leaves your hands virtually germ-free but also comes in 12 sets of individualized characteristics based on your horoscope. Are you an Aquarius? According to Bath & Body Works you may be stubborn but you're also loyal, original and independent. A Scorpio? You're driven, passionate, and resourceful (but may have jealousy issues?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOAr3pvmvRX09LUFV3ToRtSYtiX7dQRPNc96-Cuko0eDsIfzWtTOY0OYXGilf0n9iGTiLAbYZe2lN39t9tRTPOlLYpnx2gqIxJG9boHvPX7sdLkgfUo7bIq4F8Lr7xcOj7clnXu_zrikG/s1600/IMG_1898+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOAr3pvmvRX09LUFV3ToRtSYtiX7dQRPNc96-Cuko0eDsIfzWtTOY0OYXGilf0n9iGTiLAbYZe2lN39t9tRTPOlLYpnx2gqIxJG9boHvPX7sdLkgfUo7bIq4F8Lr7xcOj7clnXu_zrikG/s400/IMG_1898+copy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>As a June baby, I am the quintessential Gemini. Mine reads "savvy, imaginative, chatterbox, inventive." I like. I know it's not exactly the equivalent of a therapy session but it gives me a mini ego boost and a smile : ) I also love the lime-green on purple packaging. Actually, I loved the color combinations on all of them. Each one was cute and vibrant. The scent for Gemini is named Citrus Citrus but I get more of a strong berry scent with a hint of lemon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTr3dJlCyMo1LJrGbaKMpAgOkMyUsoGajiLt-G1QHgEPTVwrDw4a3Mx5AV9N8-Emfu1HWu0vSUHkrCWrMxYrKO1bPo5igA3s4POyvxv1Zb6j-nmmiLyJ-kpdv0rk8laxo7ih-Y2yk82tD/s1600/IMG_1900+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTr3dJlCyMo1LJrGbaKMpAgOkMyUsoGajiLt-G1QHgEPTVwrDw4a3Mx5AV9N8-Emfu1HWu0vSUHkrCWrMxYrKO1bPo5igA3s4POyvxv1Zb6j-nmmiLyJ-kpdv0rk8laxo7ih-Y2yk82tD/s400/IMG_1900+copy.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>I'm not sure if these are still in stores but as of today, they are still available @bathandbodyworks.comMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-52131048593456419412011-05-06T18:04:00.000-07:002011-05-06T22:25:58.600-07:00iMomoko Haul: My Beauty Diary Earl Grey Tea & Macaron, Chocolate Truffle, Lily sheet masks, Face Q sheet masks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHTAAgEV2yBdxffLSBlsW2nun7s_mBsRXSZI_TZ3ecbDEiF40Uw-eg0F0H68V9B4pr6k6mufFtfOZN5V9VX6tl5tLNrQye-IGBm6GflFbrodpPy9URLFafmPrFsX5ohOYZ-QBZtePJir2/s1600/IMG_1877+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHTAAgEV2yBdxffLSBlsW2nun7s_mBsRXSZI_TZ3ecbDEiF40Uw-eg0F0H68V9B4pr6k6mufFtfOZN5V9VX6tl5tLNrQye-IGBm6GflFbrodpPy9URLFafmPrFsX5ohOYZ-QBZtePJir2/s400/IMG_1877+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did I tell you- I have a macaron addiction? It's true. One can be addicted to macarons. It's amazing how those petite pastel colored French pastries with it's gooey heavenly center can make you love life all over again and more. So when I saw the new My Beauty Diary special edition sheet masks, I let out a Major little-girl shriek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhoODBHMyN3Xc_YpTBqZDIRrbhfMnfeqXCQR8f94DVHJVZfbPxHvUsgP6byJKcWbq2-SbrW5J5CBsgnfoFffzzQJk1b1JfRCDz7HYsUEBAaCkK59JN3tWBAXtfUrYeD5n6lGveSLq3tE9/s1600/IMG_1879+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhoODBHMyN3Xc_YpTBqZDIRrbhfMnfeqXCQR8f94DVHJVZfbPxHvUsgP6byJKcWbq2-SbrW5J5CBsgnfoFffzzQJk1b1JfRCDz7HYsUEBAaCkK59JN3tWBAXtfUrYeD5n6lGveSLq3tE9/s400/IMG_1879+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Seriously, how adorable are these <b>Earl Grey Tea & Macaron masks</b>?! I also happen to love earl grey tea so I couldn't have dreamt up a more perfect combination. According to the description, these masks contain "essence from earl grey tea and extracts from macarons." But what are... extracts from macarons? hm...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIJm604XxMcPbI-SWLpeMCSIZ7nhAtGQ-_AvJMSsa4hP9qn8JnmdE1VZgxEeXE2Afttasp3nyp2eEfvFIjdZE9OS0KeVzHQ3qXID7YfflD0hKHOeu171ykLV0ZQ1RhOtyp-_2oLdXQuX-/s1600/IMG_1880+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIJm604XxMcPbI-SWLpeMCSIZ7nhAtGQ-_AvJMSsa4hP9qn8JnmdE1VZgxEeXE2Afttasp3nyp2eEfvFIjdZE9OS0KeVzHQ3qXID7YfflD0hKHOeu171ykLV0ZQ1RhOtyp-_2oLdXQuX-/s400/IMG_1880+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I can't read Chinese but the pictures seem to promise some serious hydration action when using the mask :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG-DK0PYyADKHMneebeDXvZJQIE6q0T6vCNb1WpmGcH0RmtH7SCHt-iSGkYlYl1fj3qMq9ut3Zb7ILOOP_Olm-Yi0i6wAZQP890sGghY1sTuqojW9_1bPAdBQv3KYk1W4YQ1wd4sxtADn/s1600/IMG_1881+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirG-DK0PYyADKHMneebeDXvZJQIE6q0T6vCNb1WpmGcH0RmtH7SCHt-iSGkYlYl1fj3qMq9ut3Zb7ILOOP_Olm-Yi0i6wAZQP890sGghY1sTuqojW9_1bPAdBQv3KYk1W4YQ1wd4sxtADn/s400/IMG_1881+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of adorable, I also picked up the <b>Face Q Peony, Snow Lotus & Sake Yeast whitening mask</b>. iMomoko just recently started carrying Face Q (same company as My Beauty Diary.) Packaging-wise they are a little bit bigger than the My Beauty Diary masks. I didn't know it when I was ordering, but these are one of those masks that go all around your chin and have 'earholes' (note picture on box or check out <a href="http://youtu.be/iHDJxaVfUnc">smerfettte's YouTube video</a>) for convenience and more firming action :) I used one yesterday and I was thoroughly pleased!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6LaRYJR5hhzxdW_qItCBnEJEc-_4hoXGe-T0QMqWR-DlrpVhC3Kk-NYP2iaCJtQ5tyiZd9Vn1IZYCp-QXLRBkrpSugMVmxXyF94HsmAr3atTGakGYDuAjLJz9UwTxt67MmTgjBESIPqZ/s1600/IMG_1883+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6LaRYJR5hhzxdW_qItCBnEJEc-_4hoXGe-T0QMqWR-DlrpVhC3Kk-NYP2iaCJtQ5tyiZd9Vn1IZYCp-QXLRBkrpSugMVmxXyF94HsmAr3atTGakGYDuAjLJz9UwTxt67MmTgjBESIPqZ/s400/IMG_1883+copy.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>I have a strong feeling that that little girl with the sheep horns is trying to tell me something.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jkD89-WR08U-rvUw2G-GycLH-b1grMNMpfq7BdmNoT4m_OXagVKGJVmBjEpLnajH_sxHqS4TeEFEzejYPgSj0zQl5-FOG3Njl25mT7M-HwEW9ncHbXJaAsSOv5VKB9XiSGTjMQgxZtdI/s1600/IMG_1884+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jkD89-WR08U-rvUw2G-GycLH-b1grMNMpfq7BdmNoT4m_OXagVKGJVmBjEpLnajH_sxHqS4TeEFEzejYPgSj0zQl5-FOG3Njl25mT7M-HwEW9ncHbXJaAsSOv5VKB9XiSGTjMQgxZtdI/s400/IMG_1884+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Another thing I really love about these masks is that they have the manufacture date and expiration date printed on the boxes and on each separate mask. It's always a good idea to be informed about the products you use on your face and I appreciate it when the companies make it easier for you.<br />
<br />
To go back to the first photo, I also picked up the special edition <b>French White Lily sheet masks</b> and the <b>Chocolate Truffle masks</b>. I haven't opened those two yet but both seem promising. The Lily mask is part the Blooming of Beauty collection and is supposed to help brighten up your skintone.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Chocolate Truffle masks are described as containing cacao & coffee extracts which nourishes and repairs the skin. It also contains </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">lemon, orange, and mikan extracts which mildly removes old skin cells, leaving a fine skin texture with a smooth finish.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Availability: www.imomoko.comMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-9554195172120609232011-04-13T22:57:00.000-07:002011-04-13T23:36:09.600-07:00A First Look: The Glossimers of Chanel Summer 2011<div style="text-align: left;">I was in NY two weekends ago and much to my delight, found the Chanel Summer 2011 out and about early at the Chanel boutique. The bronzers and the eyeshadows did not interest me (sorry.. this means I did not swatch them) but I kinda have to say: I am quite smitten with the Glossimer colors in this collection!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLst6gMPlrKO3_60YTK-M0VrgThU24vpnG-XYv0j23yIJ-3wnfeLswRS_Irjuiwv158Evk5qmYYlRDcKwnADxPl7tiUcbw6MY7jnbuLWpSPVqYAMTV8Ar5yww_E9FTBF4htssHXnY_njag/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLst6gMPlrKO3_60YTK-M0VrgThU24vpnG-XYv0j23yIJ-3wnfeLswRS_Irjuiwv158Evk5qmYYlRDcKwnADxPl7tiUcbw6MY7jnbuLWpSPVqYAMTV8Ar5yww_E9FTBF4htssHXnY_njag/s400/IMG_1521.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxhwgsOJbB0VwYVYqk34dDZkziTLLFry3Kq39w0HgC5-BO-r-ZfOFTE94CjaDe42u6lfh6PLV6Wj8BBY2FQ-3mxVApJ7YhuPg5hlRSGFw4xPmG-3HKFpsNm0BxDk2FzMW8v1LH4L2fSeS/s1600/IMG_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxhwgsOJbB0VwYVYqk34dDZkziTLLFry3Kq39w0HgC5-BO-r-ZfOFTE94CjaDe42u6lfh6PLV6Wj8BBY2FQ-3mxVApJ7YhuPg5hlRSGFw4xPmG-3HKFpsNm0BxDk2FzMW8v1LH4L2fSeS/s400/IMG_1522.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Peony, Pensee, Aurore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Especially Pensee, a beautiful coral and Aurore, a light peachy pink with iridescent shimmer are must-haves. I was surprised that I loved <strong>Aurore</strong> so much since I'm not easily swayed by pale pinks but it was stunning the way this shade changed color depending on the angle. It's so unique (even if it doesn't seem like it at first sight) and pretty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_BRYesij84c0t2SWNj3XYVsevKnvaOFbe3I3nb0M0tNpiy-OuGueHKC6Shxz1mfNpayeEeanOUg5wpFlPpN8jChXiYbWQquQRubQWqA62szU5HT3jgMnnZ88iv8w29zB4rTDCF7BWde8/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_BRYesij84c0t2SWNj3XYVsevKnvaOFbe3I3nb0M0tNpiy-OuGueHKC6Shxz1mfNpayeEeanOUg5wpFlPpN8jChXiYbWQquQRubQWqA62szU5HT3jgMnnZ88iv8w29zB4rTDCF7BWde8/s400/IMG_1523.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWFWrx__gY69GscOmnGfPs6JxmnE4pVfong8UTWwr2_7qBQh_5u_k6v8p0eZqYVjHayCaR-3ZOJrt5gWvrdPGOcD_LTRIZQHAXQCO9D-PA35X7OKNbOxaRaTs4y-Lq9bBfdDHXVprWReC/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWFWrx__gY69GscOmnGfPs6JxmnE4pVfong8UTWwr2_7qBQh_5u_k6v8p0eZqYVjHayCaR-3ZOJrt5gWvrdPGOcD_LTRIZQHAXQCO9D-PA35X7OKNbOxaRaTs4y-Lq9bBfdDHXVprWReC/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>I hadn't realized I had taken such a shoddy swatch photo..! Oh well.. That's Pink Peony, Pensee and Aurore from top to bottom. <br />
<br />
So that's that. Do you plan to pick up anything from the collection? <br />
<br />
I picked up just the le vernis in <strong>Morning Rose</strong> (a beautiful candy pink with quiet gold shimmers) on this particular trip but I think I may go back for the Glossimers. I wanted to love Mimosa (the much-talked-about Yellow one) but after swatching it I decided to pass.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-60349669702368682732011-03-28T12:52:00.000-07:002011-03-28T12:52:57.344-07:00Collective Haul: Lush, Shiseido, The Body Shop, more Candles and other randomness.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSwp4l0NwzVYoZ0Fo6cezxDFgBqkCQrwUVCuU95jMZB8ef0rZGKCFMJLRQv4JScwtCHfPaFzpGsFI0KD5aEFMfQYP2RnFfDlOuEn6vUJtfh5L7onwpvntqv1zBT8ML8OAPSOTNrP32mxT/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSwp4l0NwzVYoZ0Fo6cezxDFgBqkCQrwUVCuU95jMZB8ef0rZGKCFMJLRQv4JScwtCHfPaFzpGsFI0KD5aEFMfQYP2RnFfDlOuEn6vUJtfh5L7onwpvntqv1zBT8ML8OAPSOTNrP32mxT/s400/IMG_1493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The <strong>Dorothy Bubble Bar</strong> in all its earthy goodness is back! Some say that this smells like the Figs & Leaves soap but to my untrained nose, Dorothy smells much better : ) I usually separate the rainbow section and the blue "skies" section to use in separate baths because my bathwater looks prettier that way. I also picked up <strong>Love Lettuce</strong>- my all-time favorite fresh face mask. Lush face masks require refrigeration and expires pretty quickly but that just means that they are super fresh while they last!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnvUMTSZfHDtndYeNvZ83dh0ycmFTpp35We7_l7i_xW-c8dIdiKGaSxtQlMMmAYZ_KT6ncI9aXoFMifGty6y_E2HB3wv7ayYZz8lKeUiVSSbSDtIKE3vydazVOIWN0fy8ApUB7o4V0mRO/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnvUMTSZfHDtndYeNvZ83dh0ycmFTpp35We7_l7i_xW-c8dIdiKGaSxtQlMMmAYZ_KT6ncI9aXoFMifGty6y_E2HB3wv7ayYZz8lKeUiVSSbSDtIKE3vydazVOIWN0fy8ApUB7o4V0mRO/s400/IMG_1496.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having observed that I love sweet scents, the girl who helped me offered me a sample of the <strong>Almond & Coconut Smoothie Soap</strong>- she was sure I would be back for more :) It works like any other soap- it's just in a smooth buttery form. Smells divine. Haven't tried it yet though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx533e26So629vN6jSxPadfikafr0mcLyz3xYREIDeHo7px0P9fx0jEf-7sTzSqeQ-YwRR7CGSZZ7LqmQ24m2e8nHVv3dWILYtXJkgcUuSlasW6M_ikAtoJZWSubEsrC-G4nfp4LXPTrt1/s1600/IMG_1497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx533e26So629vN6jSxPadfikafr0mcLyz3xYREIDeHo7px0P9fx0jEf-7sTzSqeQ-YwRR7CGSZZ7LqmQ24m2e8nHVv3dWILYtXJkgcUuSlasW6M_ikAtoJZWSubEsrC-G4nfp4LXPTrt1/s400/IMG_1497.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I spied the new <strong>Shiseido Urban Environment</strong> sunscreen out on display @ Bloomingdale's and had to pick one up to take home with me. The Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 (the one in the blue tube-see below) is my go-to, everyday, love of my life sunscreen and so a new/different version was a must-try for me. I love the new sleek white/silvergrey tube but the lighter SPF is slightly worrying as I like my sunscreen to be on the stronger side. Still I'm excited!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLDJU2MPZ1-IDX5BOD3ec7ERGqveaQnFh5si8vUt5t4PF9F_EmfevCm2szLHjGZZAV8tgClAXUSsnaghyoCIx150RicQxlXvo7SmtPG7TD_9P8bmIk3j2C4gGCNeuvshCP5Sea4jqJ6HA/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLDJU2MPZ1-IDX5BOD3ec7ERGqveaQnFh5si8vUt5t4PF9F_EmfevCm2szLHjGZZAV8tgClAXUSsnaghyoCIx150RicQxlXvo7SmtPG7TD_9P8bmIk3j2C4gGCNeuvshCP5Sea4jqJ6HA/s400/IMG_1499.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bOWbYP5y5m4SohGQHrOvNb7QAgiNPwt7AleDGkZIUEHAlro0Jqwmk0mIy0OKZyMmx-zf8RVxKG6S86KKCmEYL6gTdUjBfFaBoV1wVVjxYQn7k7l4LGVylH8alcEib5eANOQ7ynUfR_Vc/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bOWbYP5y5m4SohGQHrOvNb7QAgiNPwt7AleDGkZIUEHAlro0Jqwmk0mIy0OKZyMmx-zf8RVxKG6S86KKCmEYL6gTdUjBfFaBoV1wVVjxYQn7k7l4LGVylH8alcEib5eANOQ7ynUfR_Vc/s400/IMG_1491.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div align="left">I don't know if you can tell but the Urban Environment (top) sunscreen is slightly more watery than the regular Shiseido sunscreen. I don't notice a big difference on the face but I haven't been using it for long so we'll see :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRT_34_hgh6hv6p4CWexqEmXbhAWzgaoIAPQEVza1q9fUD6yS_L0uoEj1yllcxI18Y9FxAgcQZmSxX70vd4imxvyHeT8ypP8WDE2rQheWVbRawxxQNfkS8YUBDEBeK5pG6wVCUjjbFec5/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRT_34_hgh6hv6p4CWexqEmXbhAWzgaoIAPQEVza1q9fUD6yS_L0uoEj1yllcxI18Y9FxAgcQZmSxX70vd4imxvyHeT8ypP8WDE2rQheWVbRawxxQNfkS8YUBDEBeK5pG6wVCUjjbFec5/s400/IMG_1481.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div align="left">Next, my little loot from The Body Shop. I had stepped into the store to just get the Peppermint Pumice Foot Scrub but once in the store I was lured in by the ubiquitous "buy however many get however many free" promotion and I ended up with more than just the foot scrub. (An after-shave I got for my cousin, who was shopping with me is not photographed.) So here's what I got:</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">1. <strong>Cotton Rounds</strong>: So much better than the CVS ones.. argh! I hate those.</div><div align="left">2. <strong>Vitamin E Face Mist:</strong> Kind of random but seemed like a good idea. Spraying vitamin E on my skin seems easy enough. Plus the rose scent is really nice. </div><div align="left">3. <strong>Banana Conditioner</strong>: I loved my first bottle so much that I had pick up another.</div><div align="left">4. <strong>Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray</strong>: Premature but I had summer on my mind that day...</div><div align="left">5. and of course the <strong>Peppermint Pumice Foot Scrub</strong>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGszVW25yrQnRkLwpPwwYy_hINBcFQ1J9hcFsAhVIlwjJ49WSEFu-0XS32JtQ0Po0xq36WnLJY9M3PjfLUmLzeoy7kBQbe2zrUyqKVcvKr1l3G2gmZ6x4AK3W-AiIiXlTjV4ksewVbEWJ/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGszVW25yrQnRkLwpPwwYy_hINBcFQ1J9hcFsAhVIlwjJ49WSEFu-0XS32JtQ0Po0xq36WnLJY9M3PjfLUmLzeoy7kBQbe2zrUyqKVcvKr1l3G2gmZ6x4AK3W-AiIiXlTjV4ksewVbEWJ/s400/IMG_1483.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what the foot scrub looks like inside: I love this stuff for summer when foot exposure is rampant.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULRpdmYbTWGhcXXluqoV_g0WFTuONUGzyLuCCF1KHOzqnyrpoAT7EBq8xAyU5Mo7mNnLVXXQ2-_JW1oCXKCbHHnjRiNNFVCeX3ZvOaosLbEJIazyWx2YAZResmXs5T5Y6XIX8C2nOGNC0/s1600/IMG_1472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULRpdmYbTWGhcXXluqoV_g0WFTuONUGzyLuCCF1KHOzqnyrpoAT7EBq8xAyU5Mo7mNnLVXXQ2-_JW1oCXKCbHHnjRiNNFVCeX3ZvOaosLbEJIazyWx2YAZResmXs5T5Y6XIX8C2nOGNC0/s400/IMG_1472.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSC2oEWn2VgZqlFDucMVASEY4WI5kL0pElQA3_t9MNaqP853TLFo58swEAbTptInKZeKTb3irCzpNLhD_iCHZezFJjBWLTu6VwIz8X8wu-RKi1Fpuwrbbf5IEPFNVGH1WAfCB8k0hXXxF/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSC2oEWn2VgZqlFDucMVASEY4WI5kL0pElQA3_t9MNaqP853TLFo58swEAbTptInKZeKTb3irCzpNLhD_iCHZezFJjBWLTu6VwIz8X8wu-RKi1Fpuwrbbf5IEPFNVGH1WAfCB8k0hXXxF/s400/IMG_1478.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div align="left">Next, I picked up two new candles from Bath & Body Works, <strong>Lemon Gelatto </strong>(pictured with a sparklicious yellow infinity scarf I picked up from Charlotte Russe) & <strong>Cotton Candy</strong> (pictured with the Hello Kitty shower cap available at Sephora). I have to say Slatkin & Co. is really on a roll these days with their awesome candles! I have been burning Cotton Candy nonstop: the scent is sweet but clean cut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByfU5r4CzHasDfNFZ0YImB-r1sT-13PM-pRIe4uBpFAK1dtJmfXYLRb1M6JoW9GUefoWLIB54MRpEj4tMndTAunAwNgFY27qBBUOyu-my10Skd9EntQpzwRyAd5RNKuhMlyVvBcpb2nBz/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByfU5r4CzHasDfNFZ0YImB-r1sT-13PM-pRIe4uBpFAK1dtJmfXYLRb1M6JoW9GUefoWLIB54MRpEj4tMndTAunAwNgFY27qBBUOyu-my10Skd9EntQpzwRyAd5RNKuhMlyVvBcpb2nBz/s400/IMG_1484.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div align="left">Finally, some random items from here and there (and everywhere). <br />
<br />
1. <strong>Anastasia Mini Brow Kit</strong>: Worst pair of tweezers in the history of tweezers...<br />
2. <strong>OPI Teenage Dream</strong>: I don't know what I was thinking. It's really sparkly. Not very lawyer-ly... but I think I was mesmerized by all the glitter.<br />
3. <strong>Revlon Totally Toffee</strong>: Love. It's red. It's brown. It's toffee. who knows what it is. Love.<br />
4. <strong>Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom</strong>: I've never gotten into Burts Bees lip balms but the fact that the new tinted lip balms have no shimmer and no SPF really appealed to me. (My lips tend to react badly to lip products with SPF...not all the time but lots of times.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1AzQ8D0r80P54UNOeGHW4WvC4KkXajHGgY7CPJMRSnnAhupLyB5GCM440PoVa0Atly3NrajxkCG8KvT-TPclYFgiDLuvrbwwXOM9w4yHCjz_iPZl7TCwBD1y41AvxJ6dWOqyhjdy3Rkv/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1AzQ8D0r80P54UNOeGHW4WvC4KkXajHGgY7CPJMRSnnAhupLyB5GCM440PoVa0Atly3NrajxkCG8KvT-TPclYFgiDLuvrbwwXOM9w4yHCjz_iPZl7TCwBD1y41AvxJ6dWOqyhjdy3Rkv/s400/IMG_1487.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was kind of worried that Pink Blossom would be a paler pink (better with cooler skin tones) but it wasn't as pale as I imagined and the sheer factor makes it an easy shade to pull off. It's nothing spectacular but it's good for a casual touch up. Texture-wise I prefer something like the Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment.</div></div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">And that's all for now! That was a picture-heavy post, but I wanted to include as much as I could because if I didn't procrastination will inevitably come knocking at my door threatening to huff and puff and blow mah house down... ; ) You know what I'm talking about.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-50596059743064431142011-03-09T13:35:00.000-08:002011-03-09T13:35:06.548-08:00Haul: Bed, Bath & Beyond and Bath & Body WorksHey guys! So this is going to be a quick little drugstore haul-- from Bed, Bath & Beyond!! Am I late on this or did everyone know that some Bed, Bath & Beyonds actually have a drugstore section?! And not like those pseudo-beauty corners in grocery stores but an actual very much legit drugstore- the kind that derails you from your original purpose of bringing home a sturdy cutting board (preferably made of bamboo) and has you wandering through aisles of beauty gadgets and goodies with crazy lady eyes, unaware that the husband has left the store in search of some stronger coffee. Ahem... <br />
<br />
... onto the haul.<br />
<br />
Here's the shortlist of what I got:<br />
Physicians Formula Eye Boosting Eyeliner + Serum<br />
Maybelline Eyeshadow in Apricot Aura<br />
Maybelline Volum' Express On by One Mascara in Blackest Black Waterproof<br />
Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZn4jACnU2xhLyCGU8Qrz_WOKmQrJ7hhwxq7DwmOSjMeQlsZ03BB3Ua2sCIQFa_t8dFj4scaurc3t9h-WwCGJTY8mqUsblSW4W-kBja5Y50olmLm9pQRSsMUompeDkMH-QFPcOu7rLpgL/s1600/949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZn4jACnU2xhLyCGU8Qrz_WOKmQrJ7hhwxq7DwmOSjMeQlsZ03BB3Ua2sCIQFa_t8dFj4scaurc3t9h-WwCGJTY8mqUsblSW4W-kBja5Y50olmLm9pQRSsMUompeDkMH-QFPcOu7rLpgL/s400/949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here are the initial impressions of each:<br />
1. <strong><u>Physician's Formula Eye Boostin</u>g<u> Eyeliner & Serum</u></strong>- I use the Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For at night but this new item is an eyeliner and eyelash serum in one, so you can use it during the daytime too! Nifty.<br />
2. <strong><u>Maybelline Eyeshadow in Apricot Aura</u></strong> (Limited Edition) - I swatched this already and found the pigmentation to be quite poor. All three shades are frosty and although the frost is not overpowering (you could even call it a sheen) it still manages to overshadow the actual colors. That being said I think it still has the potential of creating a pretty look- just don't expect that coral to show up on your eyelids.<br />
3. <strong><u>Maybelline Volum' Express One by One Mascara in Blackest Black Waterproof</u></strong> - I almost bought the non-waterproof kind because I liked the green lettering of that one better (with the coral tube) than the blue letters on this one. Then I reminded myself that taking chances with undereye smudges was unwise especially when the reward at stake is simply cuter color-coordination. <br />
4. <strong><u>Maybelline Lastin</u>g<u> Drama Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black</u></strong>- I'm on my third Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner but I think it's time to go back to gel eyeliner. My first instinct (and most obvious choice) is to go back to Bobbi Brown but I'm really interested in all the new alternatives that have surfaced recently, so I picked this one out on a whim :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRmg8fuX8phbNZsKFJFgY-RJE5cXVQMNgkOSsePb3mWlkGd7qqSjCC5u8B-_54noJ6cs__3wcvfOAydF-ZRdH3TnrFvC0SMhpgaDS9feq0m3se4g6mJ3Yj3yukeKPJAk3X1wiPlQxzx9K/s1600/950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRmg8fuX8phbNZsKFJFgY-RJE5cXVQMNgkOSsePb3mWlkGd7qqSjCC5u8B-_54noJ6cs__3wcvfOAydF-ZRdH3TnrFvC0SMhpgaDS9feq0m3se4g6mJ3Yj3yukeKPJAk3X1wiPlQxzx9K/s400/950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next, I headed over to Bath & Body Works to pick up some three-wick candles and check out the Carried Away release (I've been hearing good things!) I picked out two candles: <strong><u>Pineapple Man</u>g<u>o</u></strong>, and <strong><u>Pink San</u>g<u>ria</u></strong>. I also picked up the baby versions of the <strong><u>Carried Away shower </u>g<u>el</u></strong>, <strong><u>body lotion</u></strong> and <strong><u>fra</u>g<u>rance mist</u></strong>. Argh the packaging is absolutely the cutest! The collection smells like plums- and I love plums.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've already started burning Pineapple Mango and although it doesn't fill the room with an authentic pineapple (or mango) scent it's still a very agreeable fragrance. Fruity and slightly sweet- it's a great candle for spring. Pink Sangria I haven't burned yet but it smells so tangy and delightful I would stick a paper parasol in it and drink it if I could. Don't worry, I won't.<br />
(*<strong>Update</strong>: I burned Pink Sangria yesterday and I seriously love it!)<br />
<br />
On another note, I ordered some Hello Kitty items from Sephora weeks ago but I'm having trouble photographing them properly... if anyone's wondering and I never get the pictures up, I got the shower cap and the rollerball perfume and I'm pretty happy with both of them. Also, my Dermstore.com order should be arriving soon so I'll share that once it gets here.<br />
<br />
So that's that! I hoped you're enjoying your week as I am mine :) <br />
<br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-64015290587568725792011-03-01T14:16:00.000-08:002011-03-10T13:18:10.185-08:00O Spring, Where Art Thou?Oh my goodness- I can't believe how the time has flown by since my last blog post. I have yet to get my mac fixed (I know- my procrastination is beyond reprimand), but I couldn't take it anymore, especially after getting these super-cute spring collection images from Kate Spade in my email this morning, so here I am using The husband's laptop to share a little bit what I've been up to and my latest beauty inspirations! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z2e3TKBq2O_fHgn22KWka9A_atpelguorpOLNjWL5Hrs2k3QLfY-PXfRFUPpcNHPvmxkpvNSShZs7edu0DLrtG15z6EisKJu0AWoO42SuLwmfubzjsWC7YksYy8S9qOXvKNt2x6JX7DG/s1600/pKSLCI1-9302652_kspr02_v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z2e3TKBq2O_fHgn22KWka9A_atpelguorpOLNjWL5Hrs2k3QLfY-PXfRFUPpcNHPvmxkpvNSShZs7edu0DLrtG15z6EisKJu0AWoO42SuLwmfubzjsWC7YksYy8S9qOXvKNt2x6JX7DG/s320/pKSLCI1-9302652_kspr02_v275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PYk8czLtgF7XD9-Guk4oCaNJR7-bc4WzLb3wRvT-9AXaue_tZ5aqFVNhvweUo0GdEE3ixI-M9-z9CrjaxPWOkXn_Ctwj-_jMtV5YJoGIT5YiDJcSSbh2vjv0VCziRv4GsdYKAhyYVlru/s1600/pKSLCI1-9312707_kspr03_v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PYk8czLtgF7XD9-Guk4oCaNJR7-bc4WzLb3wRvT-9AXaue_tZ5aqFVNhvweUo0GdEE3ixI-M9-z9CrjaxPWOkXn_Ctwj-_jMtV5YJoGIT5YiDJcSSbh2vjv0VCziRv4GsdYKAhyYVlru/s320/pKSLCI1-9312707_kspr03_v275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Numero uno, how delightful is the spring Kate Spade collection? I'm quite fond of winter but I admit, that of the seasons it isn't the most colorful. But spring is all about color- the sky is bluer, the leaves are greener, the flowers have gone crazy and you can get away with wearing whatever funky color and happy little combination you desire... like that hot pink cardigan with canary yellow layered underneath! (top photo) So pretty.<br />
<br />
I am also loving these wedges! They're youthful yet have a classy look to them as well. They also come in hot pink (I've seen Karen from the Makeup & Beauty Blog lemming over them :) but I am liking this nude/gold look better for me. I'm so tempted!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2XNV-oLhjCSYjrtcac7nAEtBtum-vUqvjvZ5GhSEha7qJeQOkqcf8tr0AEzZLS_iQ4N86ScTaLk1DdfNX-VyJbwPfW_2GEfRGLzlzrEp0qbIlz1eiLvl8oRLAumG6K_fkq3HaklQL-AE/s1600/pKSLCI1-8792493_kspr01_v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2XNV-oLhjCSYjrtcac7nAEtBtum-vUqvjvZ5GhSEha7qJeQOkqcf8tr0AEzZLS_iQ4N86ScTaLk1DdfNX-VyJbwPfW_2GEfRGLzlzrEp0qbIlz1eiLvl8oRLAumG6K_fkq3HaklQL-AE/s320/pKSLCI1-8792493_kspr01_v275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Another thing, I've been trying to take better care of my skin which I regret to say I've kind of been neglecting to do this winter. I used to be so diligent in taking care of my skin but recently, I've been totally letting myself go- so I picked up these <strong>My Beauty Diary sheet masks</strong> (I got the Alice in Wonderland sets in pink and blue) in hopes of getting back on track. And I have to say, I absolutely love them! The best thing about a good sheet mask is the instant gratification-your skin feels so hydrated and soft after use. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPg1yDJ21_UeE-DjFyptwzBSk2IdnL1OXjRFVIwcItrtA5ZmMeq_G5vdY5JVKkD6J4hs5FK0iWBgo1D_ZDLU7lulUVpHYM9wBIhgcpiMspeSC0wPwkiFPufP9mZnFtH5vZ7wtVPGV6mdb/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPg1yDJ21_UeE-DjFyptwzBSk2IdnL1OXjRFVIwcItrtA5ZmMeq_G5vdY5JVKkD6J4hs5FK0iWBgo1D_ZDLU7lulUVpHYM9wBIhgcpiMspeSC0wPwkiFPufP9mZnFtH5vZ7wtVPGV6mdb/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So that's all for now- I wish everyone a great week and hopefully I'll get my laptop's hard drive exchanged this week and all will be well with the world again :)</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-2689128697409049072011-01-27T15:23:00.000-08:002011-03-10T13:21:30.776-08:00Haul: The Body Shop: Banana Conditioner, Watermelon Body Lotion, Satsuma SetThe Body Shop reminds me a reliable old friend- you may have drifted apart and inevitably moved on with your lives but even after that long absence, when you meet again- the relationship's still pretty good. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Wh7rZ_gwc6Va3lxDIdPBAMTJQUaNOC9_P3OBiT2XDl1MDXv_MeBgZ4Bzq4np4F5QH-P5HcfTuYRBVY_1ya11nBXRfWA2eFqsD2kur-qhauaNvGkaOMXJKdQnGcRnYm_V6FcueaaLirk/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Wh7rZ_gwc6Va3lxDIdPBAMTJQUaNOC9_P3OBiT2XDl1MDXv_MeBgZ4Bzq4np4F5QH-P5HcfTuYRBVY_1ya11nBXRfWA2eFqsD2kur-qhauaNvGkaOMXJKdQnGcRnYm_V6FcueaaLirk/s400/IMG_1145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ordered the Banana Conditioner, Watermelon Body Lotion and a mini-Satsuma Shower Gel, Body Lotion set tied with a loofah.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VlrqQpVO-9vXAkblsNPh4UjTUYuCdK9rFl5angM4VAS4Pvc4heEGcRypQ8qK2ET07mqHE7fh6WsjJv8j-2518ETR6FXg1LRHgHIY-pXJyLRn2BChwvJcMyC92aVgB2hQsaw9grR78rlQ/s1600/IMG_1147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VlrqQpVO-9vXAkblsNPh4UjTUYuCdK9rFl5angM4VAS4Pvc4heEGcRypQ8qK2ET07mqHE7fh6WsjJv8j-2518ETR6FXg1LRHgHIY-pXJyLRn2BChwvJcMyC92aVgB2hQsaw9grR78rlQ/s400/IMG_1147.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First, the Banana Conditioner, just because it's such an awesome idea. I mean why hasn't someone thought of this sooner? (Maybe someone has.) It looks and feels like a real (albeit extremely thick) banana smoothie and smells so sweet and yummy. I've already tried it on my hair (I apply conditioner/ treatment only on the tips of my hair) and love it to death. My hair definitely feels softer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUECQ-eCP0oR6GOjz8n_bQcQi2o1jAQQsh5C5c3TLUGT6xQ86JcZeuniAfaep6qA_0CgQp8qva7hyphenhyphenFw5GkJvK6QniG_4kb2NReJYHT_4TM5_yz7oeKei-KESPhgdj-xr9p4d573TuVKUt/s1600/IMG_1148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUECQ-eCP0oR6GOjz8n_bQcQi2o1jAQQsh5C5c3TLUGT6xQ86JcZeuniAfaep6qA_0CgQp8qva7hyphenhyphenFw5GkJvK6QniG_4kb2NReJYHT_4TM5_yz7oeKei-KESPhgdj-xr9p4d573TuVKUt/s400/IMG_1148.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second, the Watermelon Body Lotion. I love watermelons; the fruit, the scent, the color, but watermelon-scented body lotions are unusually rare so I knew I had to try this one out. I think the difficulty in making a watermelon-scented body lotion is that watermelon isn't a scent that mixes well with the natural creaminess? of lotion. The end result of this one was something like a watermelon milkshake gone bad. That sounds worse than it actually is as I've still been using this on a daily basis (it's a good lotion) but I was anticipating something a bit more refreshing. It's a nice try but sadly, not a horribly successful one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN_ohPLt3Uy7h7wEPETqXA9k6kJl4D4f-XEDRJY0vthFkQ4rKeBXkRzgf9pZG2VgaXXFqHuRLuYzBtL65IC_Oqy9-6gM_FuJGF5_PSNd0YVYWjEh829L_VIY26U7xH9h0hyATZk8WceYs/s1600/IMG_1146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjN_ohPLt3Uy7h7wEPETqXA9k6kJl4D4f-XEDRJY0vthFkQ4rKeBXkRzgf9pZG2VgaXXFqHuRLuYzBtL65IC_Oqy9-6gM_FuJGF5_PSNd0YVYWjEh829L_VIY26U7xH9h0hyATZk8WceYs/s400/IMG_1146.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWapm4avFWBHJ3ec8xXwgkYuOkbo8tkXoHETvAH1fgFjQ-cWPkfFy0R2olcYTg4dWfV3zwEzI8gfk2Z85UvfUHedGffuLVaKBlld7JH79RBjavaTBP9Z55PxdyaSPY8tfAQuFsOaDpcO6Y/s1600/IMG_1149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWapm4avFWBHJ3ec8xXwgkYuOkbo8tkXoHETvAH1fgFjQ-cWPkfFy0R2olcYTg4dWfV3zwEzI8gfk2Z85UvfUHedGffuLVaKBlld7JH79RBjavaTBP9Z55PxdyaSPY8tfAQuFsOaDpcO6Y/s400/IMG_1149.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Next up, the mini Satsuma Shower Gel and Body Lotion set with a cute small-sized loofah. Satsuma is actually one of my favorite scents from The Body Shop so no surprises with this one. If you haven't tried it already, take in a whiff of Satsuma the next time you're in The Body Shop. It smells like fresh tangerines, but BETTER.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiRoEDan7iCJiyPUdhly0xKdMqlNhnE4ZxZd_SAz1hzv_ngEsUr7LpJ0Hm8_-LyujIG2PCLHQQBTBtRUrOttqNI94Hy7Sj9Q2Xepf4ev-HhEw9UgCGvm6kqzUFnmUPofSfOSThweXyzyZ/s1600/IMG_1150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiRoEDan7iCJiyPUdhly0xKdMqlNhnE4ZxZd_SAz1hzv_ngEsUr7LpJ0Hm8_-LyujIG2PCLHQQBTBtRUrOttqNI94Hy7Sj9Q2Xepf4ev-HhEw9UgCGvm6kqzUFnmUPofSfOSThweXyzyZ/s400/IMG_1150.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-41848060119380841702011-01-27T13:56:00.000-08:002011-01-27T14:01:36.475-08:00Sephora-Exclusive NARS Spring SetsDid all of you on the upper east coast get home safely last night? I had one chaotic rendezvous with the mid-atlantic snowstorm as I headed home from Baltimore; details of which I won't get into here but let's just say that at the end of it all there was one stranded Honda on the wrong side of East West Highway and a hungry asian girl walking home in snow-encrusted office clothes thanking the shoe gods that at least she wasn't wearing heels.<br />
<br />
On to more cheery matters. Like the new Sephora-exclusive NARS Spring 2011 sets! These are available to Beauty Insiders only for the time being (I don't know if or when these may be available to non-Beauty Insiders), but it's super-easy to sign up if you haven't already. At $59 these sets provide a great chance to try out some of NARS's most-loved items like the Multiples or Orgasm blush conveniently paired with items that go well with it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYTdOy7BfIwxW5cDXQiha3jPue-goBJzvhzACrVvTWl-yK8zotKJXoYn_QvZP27pCBWsXkAEPoBjtmgKxI8hg0ZYVj_hSypahS2t6ZAZGSKnMqAgFDQ4wQe1AZqBp2xeSChkq_a_ztuFu/s1600/P280940_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYTdOy7BfIwxW5cDXQiha3jPue-goBJzvhzACrVvTWl-yK8zotKJXoYn_QvZP27pCBWsXkAEPoBjtmgKxI8hg0ZYVj_hSypahS2t6ZAZGSKnMqAgFDQ4wQe1AZqBp2xeSChkq_a_ztuFu/s1600/P280940_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P280940&categoryId=C8330&shouldPaginate=true">"Fashion Icon" Set</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99jnUZyica437EFaHfpYqRhHit9Y3VWw3EfQG4tQP0QtkPEjJAZtPpGYrPvdNGYirKKzv-t09VI53J9QyxZ3lgWugrU2oJBUm746DngqgQHz4rNmsyVVXIRevHAQe96xY-EeKzbeWrb5l/s1600/P280941_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99jnUZyica437EFaHfpYqRhHit9Y3VWw3EfQG4tQP0QtkPEjJAZtPpGYrPvdNGYirKKzv-t09VI53J9QyxZ3lgWugrU2oJBUm746DngqgQHz4rNmsyVVXIRevHAQe96xY-EeKzbeWrb5l/s1600/P280941_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P280941&categoryId=RPYMAL&navAction=jump">"Front Row" Set</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0hTWR6zNHgtoB7ampmPoLLcNSwJFM-gyALHoOc5jm17pZRL35RP1KNR4xMk0mG17PSCSDkalXKkILrq_UBkhuzkQUH7cOckDWmcdbzG_s6Vs_FHzoq5VbfMDQsjTy-WbaIrrpBr3ntOr/s1600/P280942_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0hTWR6zNHgtoB7ampmPoLLcNSwJFM-gyALHoOc5jm17pZRL35RP1KNR4xMk0mG17PSCSDkalXKkILrq_UBkhuzkQUH7cOckDWmcdbzG_s6Vs_FHzoq5VbfMDQsjTy-WbaIrrpBr3ntOr/s1600/P280942_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P280942&categoryId=RPYMAL&shouldPaginate=">"Fashion Forward" Set</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Available at Sephora.com (Click the names of the sets to go to corresponding product page :)</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-69015065572927009812011-01-19T22:11:00.000-08:002011-01-19T22:17:28.387-08:00Philosophy Has Some New Shower Gels!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Philosophy is usually a hit or miss for me. While items like Purity Made Simple and Microdelivery Peel are phenomenal hits that have changed my life (no seriously), some of their 3-in-1 shower gels are kind of... blah. Even so, every time Philosophy comes out with some new bath item I am immediately intrigued. I don't know if it's the cute packaging, the insightful little quotes on them or just that I like the way they look sitting on the edge of my tub, all chubby and ready to go. Here are some new spring items that are difficult not to fall for. I am especially enamored with Orange in Bloom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrcr17O591iv6Hd53ncNjkODBC3RzlhbWWG2MUf8uOpJdComqbqpN507FxyB_l4yyUPd-Pf3kd5WZpFFPMZR33nYpGNKaSsm71d_D4zVf9x396Z_sLTYtawcPKxzASU3r5CqZJ2Zc51f7/s1600/P280907_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrcr17O591iv6Hd53ncNjkODBC3RzlhbWWG2MUf8uOpJdComqbqpN507FxyB_l4yyUPd-Pf3kd5WZpFFPMZR33nYpGNKaSsm71d_D4zVf9x396Z_sLTYtawcPKxzASU3r5CqZJ2Zc51f7/s1600/P280907_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">philosophy: <i>savor life's funfilled moments</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s0XuDkaDM1grscMtoyCtCQWRSCU909077Q5gXpPvQwyswE9IdLh3vWyV1BDaHl85wJmS6dkTFlRasi0nYj_z70_kJQqlzhu6f_alH07cg4Zm1Ve30bR-2JhGHKPZwm4ghlqQaG1Jk5oy/s1600/P280915_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s0XuDkaDM1grscMtoyCtCQWRSCU909077Q5gXpPvQwyswE9IdLh3vWyV1BDaHl85wJmS6dkTFlRasi0nYj_z70_kJQqlzhu6f_alH07cg4Zm1Ve30bR-2JhGHKPZwm4ghlqQaG1Jk5oy/s1600/P280915_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">philosophy: <i>joy is the center of all good things</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ev1KZQhnRY-jgDWBr0lpyayJ92FmbwanbenEx03viexx07hC-BtTgsgXy_CxRixDnK_G1aOBB77WyyMRb8WFkODfMbMROHHFW0eNds11IlKjPIGO1whmKvEwV0h1spgy3fywPNgbEC_z/s1600/P280918_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ev1KZQhnRY-jgDWBr0lpyayJ92FmbwanbenEx03viexx07hC-BtTgsgXy_CxRixDnK_G1aOBB77WyyMRb8WFkODfMbMROHHFW0eNds11IlKjPIGO1whmKvEwV0h1spgy3fywPNgbEC_z/s1600/P280918_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">philosophy: <i>a laugh is the sweetest expression of joy</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLqoPOu0aMoQbARtDtRPR91QJ8eS6l_WlDxRfpnLmKGHGo38Z8CTXO_OHMY_bh-Xr5RBx-SzB0wMwnkpARxnKnQcLOZTnwcO-sofMiJogIXpg62zdMTvj-iEI4j2Ekkj0K7KhGNPtuZBX/s1600/P280919_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLqoPOu0aMoQbARtDtRPR91QJ8eS6l_WlDxRfpnLmKGHGo38Z8CTXO_OHMY_bh-Xr5RBx-SzB0wMwnkpARxnKnQcLOZTnwcO-sofMiJogIXpg62zdMTvj-iEI4j2Ekkj0K7KhGNPtuZBX/s1600/P280919_hero.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">philosophy: <i>a dream let's the spirit bloom</i></div><br />
Just looking at the blossoms on these makes me feel like spring is almost upon us. Although based on the in-your-face winter cold I experienced today, it's pretty obvious that spring is so <i>not</i> almost upon us. Still a girl can dream..<br />
<br />
On another note: Have you seen the <a href="http://karlasugar.net/2011/01/sneak-peek-chanel-summer/">promotional images of the Chanel Summer 2011 collection</a>? And did you hear about the <a href="http://karlasugar.net/2011/01/sneak-peek-chanel-rouge-coco-shine/">Rouge Coco Shines to be released</a> soon? My heart skipped a beat when I saw these images on KarlaSugar.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-10675126720035214942011-01-12T16:54:00.000-08:002011-01-12T18:51:32.732-08:00Chanel Spring 2011 Collection Swatches and Pêche Nacrée<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGPZ4frH8dyWeINKYgCPn5YDJscI7PfbZIv0dNrSnPslKHnyN2SjMnkPzxks6dTKtv5h5oiLBFYaqHyEKVDLzpU4RIinL8OAGAg2ki8e8_DlvHfDxA7h1ApH4hpO3xpZlJkq6Eg6fxQ8H/s1600/IMG_0962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGPZ4frH8dyWeINKYgCPn5YDJscI7PfbZIv0dNrSnPslKHnyN2SjMnkPzxks6dTKtv5h5oiLBFYaqHyEKVDLzpU4RIinL8OAGAg2ki8e8_DlvHfDxA7h1ApH4hpO3xpZlJkq6Eg6fxQ8H/s400/IMG_0962.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Last last last week, (can you say "overdue post"?) I stopped by Nordstrom to take a look at the Chanel Spring 2011 pretties. btw, who is that girl Chanel's been using as their model lately? I think I'm in love with her.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRs-kf4-fSFRxmrOZwCEcJh40qLM-9cOmxzcTudqBzpfzd_h5Pt63A05MXR__aSiyULYa0NrWR9l1cPq5UJwERe-ma8SZ_VnXFgv4wnKY4XmoJrfrd4jdcrM3PamhwlMfdFGeUgdgpZRhj/s1600/IMG_0867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRs-kf4-fSFRxmrOZwCEcJh40qLM-9cOmxzcTudqBzpfzd_h5Pt63A05MXR__aSiyULYa0NrWR9l1cPq5UJwERe-ma8SZ_VnXFgv4wnKY4XmoJrfrd4jdcrM3PamhwlMfdFGeUgdgpZRhj/s400/IMG_0867.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-size: small; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I swatched a couple of the lip products I was interested in. Nakkar was more strawberry pink than I had anticipated. For some reason I was under the impression that it had more of a coral tinge to it even though Chanel distinctly describes it as being a raspberry color. I think it's because I saw various in-person photos of Nakkar showing off more of a coral pink. Oh well, maybe it was just the difference in lighting. It's the type of shade that can look different depending on the angle and the lighting; perhaps that's what makes it all the more pretty and alluring.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB5zslIZrMJtA6wu_wxA0c6OnfsgmA6ilcSUpaBZjy_X06R5PqBK9qBRYlwtyCXxNx1nT1apufcKMlAgSzm4iGPJvg5aXFmO641vhVC-_gEk08TpRnL_i-4vcqppcsyRWcF2dxumqAjNb/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB5zslIZrMJtA6wu_wxA0c6OnfsgmA6ilcSUpaBZjy_X06R5PqBK9qBRYlwtyCXxNx1nT1apufcKMlAgSzm4iGPJvg5aXFmO641vhVC-_gEk08TpRnL_i-4vcqppcsyRWcF2dxumqAjNb/s400/IMG_0929.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I ended up passing on Nakkar, but brought home </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Pêche Nacrée</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">, a soft pearly peach nail polish. Even though Black Pearl has been getting more publicity, to me, Pêche Nacrée seemed a better representative of the collection as a whole. Additionally, I've been wearing dark colors on my nails nonstop this winter, so Pêche Nacrée felt like a breath of fresh spring air! The pinky-peach shade lightens up significantly once on the nails but its still very pretty. The slight pearl finish makes the hands look soft and feminine.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt3_j-pqQS_I5KmF8me8L6JJlib0u5a3RWC_ZGqqhfNv-d5a5S6sSx9OihSAPZ-OXKMBEe4vFx561gMzO1dYPE7_LKolaRaayEUh6beBhqo-jgKDaoWjS_ZXBPpd1kDNvUjjEuXNSOACr/s1600/IMG_0930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt3_j-pqQS_I5KmF8me8L6JJlib0u5a3RWC_ZGqqhfNv-d5a5S6sSx9OihSAPZ-OXKMBEe4vFx561gMzO1dYPE7_LKolaRaayEUh6beBhqo-jgKDaoWjS_ZXBPpd1kDNvUjjEuXNSOACr/s400/IMG_0930.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-14981511112139587112011-01-09T18:27:00.000-08:002011-01-09T18:28:01.590-08:00Sephora Haul: L'Occitane, Clinique, Frederic Fekkai and more.Is one of your New Year's resolutions to shop less? To practice some long-lost self-restraint when it comes to hoarding all things beauty? Good for you, you are off to a better start than I.<br />
<br />
For as you can see, I have made no such resolution.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecR2M1nX-nzE8J_IOFrjYjS1yCMaa0KXE7fGWlOu0iVhA-pjLz1bOp8uA-wS8tFUcKCkg4y3AtmgCIayrI6G5Ut_RDDyNccoy8ueVb69T1Lch3SXLcNzD1t7r8sddIXmgjtYBJ4mcgYcM/s1600/IMG_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecR2M1nX-nzE8J_IOFrjYjS1yCMaa0KXE7fGWlOu0iVhA-pjLz1bOp8uA-wS8tFUcKCkg4y3AtmgCIayrI6G5Ut_RDDyNccoy8ueVb69T1Lch3SXLcNzD1t7r8sddIXmgjtYBJ4mcgYcM/s400/IMG_0977.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Say hello to my first (and second, since this is actually two orders) beauty haul of 2011!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PZ-XU2ULB_0ErHWollDur1eJIHTc0f4MJuY06ajcux5PTzDKA1XYl6jITtmlsx9dNTRYhsf07sicwnzsV_pIvfRqVllsskWwPpsdUyqN9oWMu9UOQT6OeeqrFqb-0FZDUSsUI0gO-6Fm/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PZ-XU2ULB_0ErHWollDur1eJIHTc0f4MJuY06ajcux5PTzDKA1XYl6jITtmlsx9dNTRYhsf07sicwnzsV_pIvfRqVllsskWwPpsdUyqN9oWMu9UOQT6OeeqrFqb-0FZDUSsUI0gO-6Fm/s400/IMG_0980.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PZ-XU2ULB_0ErHWollDur1eJIHTc0f4MJuY06ajcux5PTzDKA1XYl6jITtmlsx9dNTRYhsf07sicwnzsV_pIvfRqVllsskWwPpsdUyqN9oWMu9UOQT6OeeqrFqb-0FZDUSsUI0gO-6Fm/s1600/IMG_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Here are the samples, Skincare Challenge rewards, and promotional code offers I received.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Kate Spade Twirl</b>: Super excited even for this little trial vial since I've been really wanting to try this out. I love it! It's mostly floral which is usually not my cup of tea but there is a girly-ness to it that makes the scent more fun and lighter than regular florals. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>YSL Parisienne</b>: I like it, but I wish I could <i>love</i> it (as much as the chic design of the full-size bottle.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Prada L'eau Ambree</b>: A pass for me. Musk attack.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Dior J'adore</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Phyto Intense Hydrating Shampoo</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream</b>: Smells like medication but it's good for the elbows.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel & Green Apple Antioxident Moisturizer</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Kate Somerville CytoCell Dermal Energizing Treatment</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>PeterThomasRoth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Boscia Vital Daily Moisture SPF 15</b></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6BVZ7_bolXYvwLZFsmObI6rnaeNU1NEPwGErYmJOxi6Zf5u5vP2KW9IsszZNQzg2F-43htr2koGstR-uUmFZ0h76bmNitmmpcJl0q0_qzOdZP7tUh3el4w-erLeN5RiGVLa12li5hmj5/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6BVZ7_bolXYvwLZFsmObI6rnaeNU1NEPwGErYmJOxi6Zf5u5vP2KW9IsszZNQzg2F-43htr2koGstR-uUmFZ0h76bmNitmmpcJl0q0_qzOdZP7tUh3el4w-erLeN5RiGVLa12li5hmj5/s400/IMG_0982.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here are the things I actually purchased.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>L'Occitane Fabulous Serum</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Powder</b>: I've used the loose powder version before and thought it was pretty effective against the minor redness in my forehead and nose area. So of course, I HAD to get this pressed powder compact version!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo</b>: My favorite shampoo ever! It gives my hair and scalp and clean feeling without stripping it of moisture. I know lots of shampoos that claim to do that but this is the only shampoo that actually delivered just that!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">- <b>Clarisonic Sensitive Brush x2</b>: I'm currently using the Delicate brushhead with my Clarisonic but I went back to the Sensitive ones because the bristles feel softer on my face.<br />
<br />
So that's that! I hope everyone's having a good start on 2011. Let's hope for an exciting and refreshing year in the beauty market as well. What are some things you're looking forward to this year?<br />
<br />
(I, for one, am super-excited about the skin-colored Guerlain Meteorites compact.)</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-56415920211556492742010-12-28T15:01:00.000-08:002010-12-28T16:31:56.555-08:00After-Christmas Haul: Lush, Bath & Body Works (and Georgetown Cupcakes)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaQEzJcwNtFsijt1WBioKK3yssbdMXmsCFnNfAxcReKtOJ-euiEgCMILzXO2T_nIxGV8Zem7w1vYQkGUViP5UUERqJzsrvGNYtFINPdDX2brrIFDW385yHrFtaDkD_pTt4cjLYgmhqEUf/s1600/IMG_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaQEzJcwNtFsijt1WBioKK3yssbdMXmsCFnNfAxcReKtOJ-euiEgCMILzXO2T_nIxGV8Zem7w1vYQkGUViP5UUERqJzsrvGNYtFINPdDX2brrIFDW385yHrFtaDkD_pTt4cjLYgmhqEUf/s400/IMG_0882.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is just better with cupcakes; especially limited edition holiday cupcakes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas/ holiday weekend! I watched the Grinch, drank too much eggnog (which later led to a tumultuous tummy-ache), attended church mass (twice) and slept to my heart's content. I also took this week off work so I'm in super slacker mode right now.<br />
<br />
However, I did manage to stop by the mall to do some sweet after-Christmas deal-snatching :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-evqCCy491CB1dYycQKnMUWjByvKA6643ZpC1c61ulezIJnFqTiWb_QdylUE6_pB9DD23o6DiFnB3_p_ZEhgR4V0GG2WXCmbCbo7VqfmDx5TRgEBw3KgTG7TsNbOx1Rg_YdGkItkRchf/s1600/IMG_0893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-evqCCy491CB1dYycQKnMUWjByvKA6643ZpC1c61ulezIJnFqTiWb_QdylUE6_pB9DD23o6DiFnB3_p_ZEhgR4V0GG2WXCmbCbo7VqfmDx5TRgEBw3KgTG7TsNbOx1Rg_YdGkItkRchf/s400/IMG_0893.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>First off, I ran over to the much-loved LUSH after-Christmas sale (which is now buy-one-get-one-free as opposed to buy-one-get-two like previous years). Instead this year a lot of their regular non-holiday soaps were included in the sale as well, so I picked up slices of <b>Honey I Washed the Kids</b> and <b>Rock Star</b>, along with three chunks (one chunk I got before the sale) of my holiday staple: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Snowcake</span>.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>If you haven't tried this ivory-white almond goodness already, I strongly urge that you do!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH0L9lmjMhe1CKfVbtwr7Hoah7kq4mRZ9zKnhDK-dgF1H9OSp0pyfGEfEm4wcAQJ8y8sYHXE6-sGdOWR9Ll1YhLJw2v8MR8FP1F9XEgtAdrMlEXB9yc8D2kit0f1HREFVHH67nIvpmNFc/s1600/IMG_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNH0L9lmjMhe1CKfVbtwr7Hoah7kq4mRZ9zKnhDK-dgF1H9OSp0pyfGEfEm4wcAQJ8y8sYHXE6-sGdOWR9Ll1YhLJw2v8MR8FP1F9XEgtAdrMlEXB9yc8D2kit0f1HREFVHH67nIvpmNFc/s320/IMG_0896.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also got two Snow Fairy gift sets, which has a S<b>now Fairy shower gel, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Shimmy Shimmy glitter bar</b>, and a star-shaped <b>Angel's Delight soap</b> inside. And picked up two <b>Lil Lush Pud bath bombs </b>as well.</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih18pFISx1TeT6ukx0y8vm5MzimnoHKTjqCXmB9ZxUEKjwn6h5lA_qmaMiTUQxL6WabHU7aWHO83IQDoJejCVmN5eR2nVXEEy86SZfqTT4gLxBYz_W1j60-kt5KlGAwSp9Eq79KYZriXzf/s1600/IMG_0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih18pFISx1TeT6ukx0y8vm5MzimnoHKTjqCXmB9ZxUEKjwn6h5lA_qmaMiTUQxL6WabHU7aWHO83IQDoJejCVmN5eR2nVXEEy86SZfqTT4gLxBYz_W1j60-kt5KlGAwSp9Eq79KYZriXzf/s400/IMG_0906.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwPF0F5sDfWcvNvgRSsZWZAYlp-uCuqLP7k4F9yVinRrxfeMPU9MJywr8SaznSOoOvdM9kOGhwwGtl1RWlnU5Z589afr99SSY4J0YofowaNtcK4Axkg0_zZ1_fsfshdxbSbFJT2O97SPV/s1600/IMG_0897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwPF0F5sDfWcvNvgRSsZWZAYlp-uCuqLP7k4F9yVinRrxfeMPU9MJywr8SaznSOoOvdM9kOGhwwGtl1RWlnU5Z589afr99SSY4J0YofowaNtcK4Axkg0_zZ1_fsfshdxbSbFJT2O97SPV/s400/IMG_0897.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
At Bath & Body Works, I picked up 4 oz Slatkin & Co. candles in <b>Twisted Peppermint</b>, <b>Snow Apple Mint</b>, and <b>Homemade </b><b>Cookies</b>. The three wick <b>Winter</b> and and <b>Mint Chocolate</b> I had actually gotten earlier in the month. I have been burning Winter all through Christmas and am loving it like cRazy! Makes the home feel so cozy~<br />
<br />
So that's that!<br />
<br />
I hope everyone has a wonderful and productive end of the year and an awesome New Year!!!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393793851825685408.post-58373979859070650342010-12-19T07:09:00.000-08:002010-12-19T08:52:13.591-08:00Now Available: Chanel Spring 2011 Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC6WOQGzN5EK0LMizNsxDwEdyQBi_LIcCc4AE9L-peg3JU9vGIhgJoa5eMYAC7LjPrTYL-SQdb-YXAtHtsl9oZ3c7eBxcrMTsgE95h9IgYjhKo8DNbKdhDUZBxySkJhKvRwmZi4X2CJsX/s1600/20101216_black_pearl_A01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC6WOQGzN5EK0LMizNsxDwEdyQBi_LIcCc4AE9L-peg3JU9vGIhgJoa5eMYAC7LjPrTYL-SQdb-YXAtHtsl9oZ3c7eBxcrMTsgE95h9IgYjhKo8DNbKdhDUZBxySkJhKvRwmZi4X2CJsX/s400/20101216_black_pearl_A01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm still struggling with my Christmas shopping (I'm in trouble I know) and Chanel has already released their Spring 2011 Les Perles Collection! Not that I'm complaining of course. I am loving this collection's beautiful hues of peach, ivory pearl, and gunmetal teal-gray. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm seeing some beautiful photos of this collection popping up here and there on beauty blogs and can't wait to stop by my Bloomingdales and check it out for myself :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* Currently available on Chanel.com and select Nordstrom and Bloomingdales </div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14672591655422455249noreply@blogger.com0